Rachel and Cody’s book-themed Jewish wedding at The Astorian in Houston, Texas, featured a custom Ketubah and a unique 100-plastic-duck hunt
Ketubah
The couple’s ketubah was a true labor of love, designed and made by Elena Berlo of Once Upon a Paper (a Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor). Shunning standard templates that felt either too impersonal or overly formal, Rachel penned a custom text that beautifully captured their shared vision for marriage.
But the real "quack-up" of the day involved a long-standing inside joke: plastic ducks. Rachel had been hiding them in Cody’s apartment since they first started dating, and on their wedding day, she surprised him by slipping one into his pocket during their first look. She even worked the gag into her vows, prompting him to find the hidden treasure mid-ceremony! The fun didn't stop there—the newlyweds spent the reception "ducking" their guests, hiding 100 tiny plastic ducks in pockets and purses for friends and family to discover long after the party ended.
They declared, “We begin today with the understanding that life is a long and winding road. We will encounter shared joys and sorrows, and individual triumphs and hardships. Through each difficulty, we vow to support each other and purposefully choose each other again and again. Through each triumph, we vow to celebrate with our entire hearts, and share our joy with those we hold dear. We will approach conflict with respect and curiosity, and encourage laughter, whimsy, and affection in our daily lives together. We will build each other up, and in turn, build ourselves up for each other. Together, we will create a home of safety, generosity, and an overabundance of love. Though we love each other, we will also remain best friends and teammates. We will always love each other for who we are, with all faults and strengths accounted for. We vow to make this marriage the most peaceful part of our lives, and to fall in love again every day. Our souls will be safe in each others’ hands. With open eyes and hearts, we join hands and walk with joy and purpose into our future as life partners.”
Videography – Reverent Films
Ketubah – Elena Berlo from Once Upon a Paper {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – The Astorian
Bride’s dress – Lovely Bride
Hair – Jumana Elliot
Makeup – Pink Palette Artists
Flowers – Johanna Terry
DJ – Drywater Band with Avondale
Stationery/Invitation – The Origami Fox