ABOUT | Common Ground Ceremonies

About Us

Meet the Team

Common Ground Ceremonies is an award-winning team of wedding elopement and ceremony specialists. Originally founded in 2010 by Rev. Dr. Samora Smith, an Interfaith Minister, and BIPOC female who has officiated more than 2500 ceremonies winning praise and multiple awards for over a decade. Dr. Samora has recently put together a team of multicultural and dedicated professionals to serve the wonderfully diverse community and offer the highest quality service and personalized experiences that are sure to make your special day even more memorable.

Founder/Owner

Rev. Dr. Samora Smith

Rev. Dr. Samora Smith (aka "The Lovesmith") is a native New Yorker and a multi-talented artist. Dr. Samora created Common Ground Ceremonies to bring people together in the spirit of inclusivity and love. Raised in a multicultural and multi-faith household, Dr. Samora offers an inclusive, and welcoming approach to all ceremonies. She is the Assoc. Director of The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies, where she was ordained in 2008 and received her Doctorate of Ministry in 2020. Dr. Samora is also a renowned relationship expert and Marriage Coach. She offers an online course for marriage preparation, as well as private pre-marital sessions to ensure a successful start to your marriage.

Spanish-Speaking & Bilingual Officiant

Antonio Rodriguez

Antonio is a Spanish-speaking, native New Yorker, and a recent New Jersey transplant after 40+ years of living in NYC. We are proud to welcome him to the Common Ground Ceremonies family as one of our most beloved, and sought-after bilingual, Spanish-speaking wedding officiants in New York and New Jersey. Antonio and Rev. Dr. Samora first met when he asked if he could assist her in officiating his friend's wedding. Ever since then, Antonio and Dr. Samora have become great friends, sharing the same philosophies, and now a mutual passion for officiating. Antonio is available to perform ceremonies in New York City, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, and the Tri-State area.

Native American Ceremonial Leader & Performer

Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler

Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler is an Enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Sans Arc Band, and a world-renowned Native American Grass & Hoop Dancer. Delwin offers the sacred ceremonies and traditions of his Lakota ancestors by honoring all life and our connection to all things. Delwin is available for land acknowledgment ceremonies; a blessing for your union, family, and home; a traditional indigenous ceremonial rite for your union or celebration; the Lakota Star Blanket ceremony; and/or dance and flute performance for your event. For bookings, please contact us for more information.

Day of Coordinator & Expert Planner

Mia Morrow

Mia, our day of coordinator extraordinaire is the Founder of Elle Morrow Weddings and aptly called "the saver of your sanity". She has coordinated hundreds of events, parties, galas, and weddings and her passion is making your special day as smooth and enjoyable as possible. As a coordinator, Mia knows how to anticipate your needs and takes the time to get to know you and the details of your event. She is gifted with interacting with your family and guests, as well as the other vendors involved. Rest assured that when Mia is on the scene you will be treated like royalty and she will bring a feeling of ease and support to your special day.