About Us

Barbara Behrmann
Barbara Behrmann, Ph.D., the force behind Ceremonies and Event Planning, 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 has officiated at weddings (including interfaith and intercultural ceremonies) and has orchestrated b’nai mitzvahs, receptions, birthday celebrations, baby namings, menarche celebrations, retreats, and more.

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.

Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler is the 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.



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