5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Rev. Dr. Samora-Common Ground Ceremonies
Inclusive and Love-Filled Ceremonies
NYC, BKLYN, WESTCHESTER, LONG ISLAND, NJ
Service area
Rev. Dr. Samora was the perfect choice to officiate our wedding. From the beginning, she was there with us while planning our ceremony and premarital counseling. She even guided us through an argument we were having during one of our sessions.
She asked us detailed questions to understand us as a couple and as individuals. She arrived on time and stood on business when there was confusion about signing the marriage license. I love a woman who is there to have a great time but also knows her job. She is that woman. She even asked about our color palette so she can match. Love that! She really became a part of our family that day.
Rev. Dr. Samora is kind, loving, understanding and brought so much joy and calm to our ceremony. Out of all the vendors we hired, she was definitely our favorite. I would highly recommend her to everyone I know.
We are so grateful to have had Rev. Dr. Samora officiate our wedding ceremony. Many of our loved ones came to us afterwards and even days after the wedding to tell us how they found Rev. Dr. Samora incredible. We also received comments like “This was the best wedding ceremony I’ve ever experienced.” Rev. Dr. Samora took the time to learn about my husband and I and tailored our ceremony to our values and wishes. There was so much love felt in that room and she guided us all through. She also helped us coordinate our violinist who in addition was wonderful and elevated the ceremony even higher. Can’t say thank you enough and can’t recommend her enough.
About this vendor
Rev. Samora Smith
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (10X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Congratulations on your engagement! I am Rev. Dr. Samora, a multi-award-winning officiant and relationship coach. I am also the Assoc. Dir. for The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies, where I play a pivotal role in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
For over 13 years, I've had the joy of officiating more than 2,800 ceremonies, including weddings, baby blessings, and vow renewals. My background is enriched by a multicultural and multi-faith upbringing, which has made me intimately familiar with and sensitive to the dynamics of mixed households. Growing up with Jewish/Catholic/Muslim family members, I understand the importance of embracing and celebrating diverse backgrounds and cultures. I don't follow a specific faith, and I personally identify as "spiritual but not religious." It's always a privilege to be part of the journey for couples who share different roots, supporting them in creating a harmonious union.
As a relationship coach, I've discovered that the key to a successful marriage lies in building a strong foundation from the start. That's why I've crafted The Marriage Success Blueprint Program, an engaging and enjoyable pre-marital coaching course that sets couples up for a lifetime of happiness together.
I firmly believe in the power of love and equality, and I wholeheartedly support the LGBTQ community. The moment marriage equality was recognized in New York during my first year as an officiant, I knew I was on the right path. Growing up surrounded by same-sex couples who were my family, I've always championed the idea that love is love and that everyone deserves the right to love who they choose.
At Common Ground Ceremonies, we offer an array of personalized services to make your day truly yours. From custom vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies to Native American and bilingual ceremonies, we celebrate love in all its forms. Our Central Park elopement packages are perfect for couples seeking an all-inclusive option in a picturesque setting. We also offer additional services such as photo/video coverage, live musicians, florals, and day-of coordination, ensuring every detail is perfectly in place.
Your wedding experience with us doesn't end with "I do." We provide ample support before, during, and after your special day. We service Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, or beyond, I'm more than happy to travel to your dream location.
Reach out to me directly to discuss your needs. I can't wait to be part of your love-filled celebration.
Rev. Dr. Samora-Common Ground Ceremonies is a professional wedding officiant located in New York, NY.
Black-owned and Woman-owned Business
Speaks English, Spanish
Meet the team
Antonio Rodriguez
Spanish-speaking & Bilingual Officiant
Antonio Rodriguez is a proud native New Yorker and a recent NJ transplant. Antonio began officiating when a close friend asked him to perform her wedding in 2015. Being the incredible romantic he is, Antonio was honored and what he believed to be a "one-off" event, has now become a passion. Rev. Dr. Samora met Antonio when he approached her to "show him the ropes" before he did his first wedding. They have since become great friends and now colleagues. Antonio specializes in bilingual ceremonies and is fluent in Spanish. He also believes that "love is love" and celebrates all couples right to marry who they love. We are proud to have him part of the Common Ground family.
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Rev. Dr. Samora-Common Ground Ceremonies
Rev. Samora Smith
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Owner
Typically responds within 24h
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