About Us
Barbara Behrmann
Barbara Behrmann, Ph.D. and Humanist Celebrant, is the force behind
Ceremonies and Event Planning of the Finger Lakes. She brings a unique combination of
organizational skill, ceremonial leadership, creativity, and a warm
and outgoing personality to many types of event planning and
ceremonial needs. Her personal and professional
background helps her see “the big picture” as well as the tiny
details that unfold during the planning and orchestration of an
event.
A resident of the Ithaca community since 1992, and 1994 founder of Kol Haverim: The Finger Lakes Community for Humanistic Judaism, Barbara believes that the milestones we experience throughout life deserve to be honored in ways that reflect our unique personalities, values, beliefs, traditions and cultural backgrounds. She officiates at weddings (including interfaith and intercultural ceremonies) and has orchestrated b’nai mitzvahs, receptions, birthday celebrations, baby namings, menarche celebrations, retreats, and more. She is certified through The Humanist Society as a Humanist Celebrant and can legally officiate at weddings in all 50 states.
As a published author and national speaker, Barbara also has helped organize book signings and meetings, has participated in dozens of conferences and seminars around the country, and has seen what does and doesn’t work in professional settings.
Barbara’s diverse background as a speaker, writer, author, wedding officiator, ceremony creator, organizational leader, networker, sociologist, and mother of two children create a skill set perfectly suited to help you conceptualize, organize, and realize the public and private milestones of your life.
Professional Associations
Barbara is a member of The Humanist Society,
The Society for Humanistic Judaism, and Kol Haverim:The Finger Lakes
Community for Humanistic Judaism.
Jennifer Lawrence Birnbaum
Jennifer Lawrence Birnbaum, Associate and Classical Music Consultant, has over 12 years of experience in planning events of all sizes and settings – from large benefit concerts with multiple performing groups, to small parties and receptions, to destination weddings. The daughter of a caterer, she is also skilled at menu planning, table design, and creating ambiance.
Jennifer is not only a highly organized and focused “people person,” but she is our go-to person for ceremonial music. She holds a Bachelors degree in Music and a Masters degree in Music Education/Ethnomusicology from two of the best music schools in the country, and currently works as a choir director at a local church. Combine this with early education in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy and roots in an extended Jewish family, and you have someone who brings a broad and unique perspective to ceremonial work. Her own wedding ceremony, in fact, brought together elements from multiple religious traditions, including 12 readings and 11 pieces of music. Her love of “all things weddings” has not diminished over the years.
A resident of Ithaca for most of her life, Jennifer lives with her husband, tenor Mark Lawrence, and their young son, Zeke.
Beth Hogan, has lived in Ithaca for almost 30 years and has been planning events even longer: bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, b’nai mitzvahs, birthday parties, corporate events, fund raisers and more.
Viewing an event as a blank canvas on which to create a beautiful painting, Beth brings to this work a perspective gleaned from her other occupation, a home staging professional who prepares a seller’s home to create a strong first impression for a potential buyer. In both arenas, artistry, aesthetics, and attention to detail make a big difference between an average experience and a great one.
Beth spends a lot of time on the little touches that can make an event personal and meaningful. From identifying and carrying out a theme, to putting together invitations, to creating personalized party favors, Beth applies her creativity to all aspects of her work. We are delighted to welcome her as a CEP associate.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler is the
non-ceremonial musical consultant for
Ceremonies and Event Planning of the Finger Lakes. A
multi-instrumentalist who has played guitar for 35 years, as well as
hammered dulcimer, fretted dulcimer, and ukulele, Mark has played in
bands covering a wide array of musical styles including jazz, blues,
rock, country, celtic, Old English, contra dance, renaissance,
singer-songwriter, and even punk. He is on the board of
the Guitar League of Ithaca, was a founding member of the regionally
acclaimed band Simple Gifts, and is familiar with much of the Ithaca
music scene.
Diane Goodman
Diane Goodman brings ten years of design
experience to Ceremonies and Event Planning of the Finger Lakes.
Her clients have ranged from The Discovery Channel and UCLA
to an array of individuals and businesses in the Ithaca area. Diane
has a way with color and can design both simple and bold designs. If
you are looking for a more traditional look, she knows the design
community well and would be happy to connect you to right person.
«home