Cantor Cathy Lawrence

Our Story

The weddings ceremonies vary from Jewish and relatively traditional to interfaith and same s*x. I encourage family and friends to participate, whether through planned readings or musical contributions, artistic offerings (a handsome, quilted chuppah, a specially designed and painted ketubah) or though invitations during the ceremony- for joining in an "Amen" chorus for a final song, or, in one case, for spontaneous remarks of reminiscence and blessing in the midst of an otherwise silent prayer. This last took place in a Quaker meeting house in downtown Manhattan. Some weddings have been outside- in parks, on patios, in a South Hampton backyard; others have been in lavish indoor spaces.

After an initial phone conversation or two, I generally meet with the couple to provide an outline of a typical ceremony, and gather information about you- who you are, how you met, and your hopes and wishes for your ceremony. Many couples have clear and sometimes fixed ideas along these lines. They want spiritual but not religious, religious but not exclusive of others' beliefs, lots of reference to God, no reference to God, short and sweet, long and inclusive of certain rituals, lots of music, no music, etc. Others arrive with many questions about how a ceremony is structured, and I am happy to be a resource for information. Occasionally, there are differences between partners’ expectations, or concerns about how the families will react to the ceremony. We will find the path of maximum peace and enjoyment for you and your guests. I am entirely dedicated to making your wedding ceremony as wonderful as you and your future spouse can imagine.

After the initial meeting, I will draft a ceremony based on our discussion, which I will email to you. Typically we will email back and forth a number of times until the ceremony is exactly what you want. We may also meet a couple of times after that to get better acquainted and for further discussion. I like to establish a real connection with each couple, so that the ceremony is more meaningful for everyone.

On the day of the wedding I will arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time, to check on everyone and to make sure that the sound system is working and that ritual items are set up. I also use this time to get to know the families and to see that ceremony participants are comfortable with their roles. I may also use this time to sign a ketubah and/or wedding license.

I generally wear a white robe and a prayer shawl, but this is up to the couple.

Fees
Ceremonies start at $700 for a weekday service within Manhattan.
Weekend service- add $100.
Travel outside Manhattan- add $100 or more, depending on location.

I ask for a deposit of $150 to hold a date.