Rev. Samora Smith (also known as The Lovesmith) of Common Ground Ceremonies is a dedicated and Award-Winning wedding officiant who brings 20 years of experience and knowledge working with couples of all faiths and backgrounds. She is a native New Yorker and was raised in a multi-faith, interracial, multi-cultured family. A white Jewish mom, a black Muslim dad and Puerto Rican Catholic stepdad. The family was not religious but laid a strong foundation for embracing differences and showing that love knows no boundaries. Rev. Samora's upbringing has given her a greater understanding and empathy when working with couples of diverse cultures and faiths. Her unique background also led Rev. Samora to study at The New Seminary of Interfaith Studies in New York City, where she was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 2008. In the past 9 years, Rev. Samora has united more than 1,000 couples and brings a warmth and joy to every ceremony, leaving each couple and their guests with the feeling that they were just married by one of their closest friends.

Services Offered
Common Ground Ceremonies performs love-infused, personalized ceremonies that are always "couple centered" and range from non-denominational ceremonies, spiritual weddings, interfaith ceremonies, LGBTQ weddings, and vow renewals (baby blessings too!). The ceremonies are enhanced with cultural and religious/nonreligious elements such as butterfly releases, broom jumping and hand-fasting rituals or even a unique one completely created just for the couple. Along with the ceremony services, Rev. Samora also offers support to each couple beyond just planning the wedding. Her pre-marital (and post) are also customized to each couple's needs, offering them the insight and tools for a fulfilling, lasting marriage. Common Ground Ceremonies' wedding services and packages range from a simple elopement in Central Park to elaborate, custom wedding ceremonies at the venue of your choosing.

Common Ground Ceremonies helps to make your big day as seamless as possible. If you are looking for an all-inclusive experience, they offer elopement packages that include:

• Live instrumentalists
• Photography/Videography services
• Flowers
• “Day of Wedding Coordinator” services

Other Services

Rev. Samora is Board-Ceritified Hypnotherapist ,a licensed NLP Practitioner, Certified Life/Relationship Coach, and SYMBIS Facilitator. She offers individualized sessions to support couples with marriage preparation and relieving any wedding planning stresses that may arise. These therapies are life-changing and equip each couple with the tools for a successful marriage.