Category: wedding advice

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Check out this new article on The Knot!

Are you planning your Micro Wedding and looking for meaningful ways to write your wedding ceremony? This article is for you.

As a top-rated wedding officiant in New York, I was recently contacted by one of the editors for The Knot to assist engaged couples who are planning their intimate, non-denominational, or hybrid-spiritual ceremony.  These times call for creativity and heartfelt celebrations to celebrate our nearest and dearest. This article answers your questions on how to put together a personal ceremony while still honoring tradition.

Need help with writing your personal vow?

As I mentioned in the article, one of the best ways to personalize your wedding ceremony is to write personal vows to each other.  I recently wrote and published a book with 300 plus original phrases for you to use as inspiration for creating your own wedding vow.  Many engaged brides and grooms refrain from writing vows due to a lack of confidence in their writing skills.  Sometimes with a little encouragement and inspiration, you will find that writing your vow is actually enjoyable.  It’s a chance for you to share your feelings on the most important day of your life.  To order a copy of my book, click here.

Are small gatherings the new normal for weddings?

Since social-distancing protocols have become the fabric of our existence, it is probably best to plan a smaller wedding celebration than you may be accustomed to.  Many engaged couples are planning outdoor weddings to keep their guests (and themselves!) safe.  If there are people who are unable to attend or travel, you can set up a skype or zoom call to allow your long-distance guests to attend your wedding ceremony live via Livestream.

Rev. Dr. Samora Smith, owner of Common Ground Ceremonies is an award-winning NYC wedding officiant, pre-marital counselor, relationship and life coach, hypnotherapist/NLP practitioner.  You can contact her directly at rev.samora@gmail.com or visit her website for more info www.commongroundceremonies.com

 

 

Are Micro Weddings the New Trend?

Social-Distance Weddings?

In 2020, Love isn’t canceled and neither are wedding ceremonies.  Engaged couples are rethinking their wedding plans and scaling down their original guestlist to have their own Micro Wedding.  In other words, the mini-version of the Big Day.  Safety is the most important thing on our minds these days, and these smaller, more intimate gatherings will be the best options for this wedding season and possibly in the future.

Where can I have a Micro-Wedding?

Now that businesses are beginning to reopen in New York City, many wedding venues are re-thinking their space and creating open areas for wedding celebrations.  If you want to host a ceremony and reception, New York venues like The Water Club and Pier Sixty/The Lighthouse/Current offer amazing water views and wide-open spaces for your guests to celebrate. 

If you are interested in only having an outdoor ceremony, many brides and grooms are choosing to host their weddings in their family’s backyard or, a neighborhood park.  Central Park is a perfect outdoor location for an intimate wedding.  We offer Central Park Elopement packages which include an Officiant, Photographer, live Musician & Flowers.  All you need to do is provide the date, time, and preferred location and we will do everything else.

Still too nervous to have a small, in-person gathering?

Online Wedding Ceremony
Getting Married online during quarantine and social distancing

The best alternative to having an outdoor, small wedding, is to have your wedding online.  At Common Ground Ceremonies, we offer Zoom Weddings that are very romantic and honor all the safety guidelines.  If you have loved ones who are unable to travel or are considered high risk due to Covid-19, you should host your wedding ceremony online.  New York and New Jersey have issued Executive Orders to allow weddings to take place online.  All you need to do is obtain your license and once you have your appointment, you can schedule your online wedding.

For more information, contact Rev. Samora Smith, a New York Wedding Officiant and Elopement Planner to book your upcoming micro-wedding, Central Park Elopement, or Zoom Wedding.

In the meantime, stay safe and be well.

Is it time for a Virtual Wedding?

In the time of social distancing and “Shelter In” orders, couples are still moving forward with their wedding plans.  2020 was a really important year for many couples because of the mark of a new decade and everyone loves to celebrate big events during double numbers.  

The latest trend has been to move bigger events and celebrations online and weddings are no exception.  Just because the venue celebration had to be postponed, couples still want to get married on their original wedding date.  Instead of putting off the marriage you can have a professional officiant perform your ceremony online.  Invite all of your loved ones to an online meeting room and get married with everyone present.

Another alternative is to hire a local officiant to meet you in a safe setting like a rooftop or open outdoor space and have your loved ones attend the streaming of the ceremony.

I recently performed a ceremony on a rooftop in Chelsea for a couple who couldn’t wait another minute and it turned out to be the most romantic wedding I have ever done.  We are all looking forward to celebrating life and these moments make us feel hopeful and excited about the future.  I am currently offering online Virtual services and outdoor elopements in New York City this spring.  Contact me at info@commongroundceremonies.com to learn more.

Should you ask a friend or family member to marry you or hire an officiant?

Weddings can be expensive and most couples today will seek creative ways to cut down on costs. Some of the most popular recent trends is to ask a friend or relative to DJ, take photos or even officiate the wedding ceremony to save those dineros.  As an experienced professional Wedding Officiant in New York for the past 10 years, I have seen many versions of this plan work successfully, however I have noticed a recent increase in being called in at the last minute to come to the rescue because the couple’s alternative “money saving” plan fell apart, which ultimately costs engaged couples even more in stress and time. 

Since officiating is my personal expertise, I have put together a list of things to research and consider before you decide to ask your friend or relative to officiate your wedding: 

  • Does my friend/relative have any experience with public speaking?
  • Does my friend/relative know me and my partner well enough to truly represent us?
  • If they do a “not so great” job will it damage our relationship?
  • How does my friend/relative view marriage? Are they happily married?  (Note: This matters in case they try to throw in some unsolicited advice during your ceremony and believe me, THIS HAPPENS!!
  • Can my friend/relative handle any last-minute changes or requests either made by us, the venue, or the other vendors?
  • Does my friend/relative have an engaging, welcoming personality to make our guests feel included?
  • Does the location where I plan to wed allow non-professional clergy to officiate weddings and sign legal documents?
  • Will my marriage be legal?

When you hire a professional wedding officiant or celebrant, they bring a level of expertise and experience to the most important day of your journey as a couple.  Many Officiants (specifically the ones who have attended seminary) are also ordained ministers and pre-marital counselors who can offer you the support and valuable tools needed to start your marriage on the right track. Also, when you develop a relationship with your officiant, you gain a counselor, a friend and neutral guide to support you through the many challenges and offerings that marriage inevitably brings. 

As an Interfaith Minister and Wedding Officiant in New York, I have developed long-lasting relationships with my couples and I often have the privilege to perform Baby Blessings for their children, Vow Renewals and other big celebrations in their family and friend circle.  Most importantly, as a professional Pre-Marital Counselor, I assist in building a foundation for success which begins before the wedding and helps you through the planning process.

For bookings and more information about my officiating and counseling services, please contact Rev. Samora Smith at rev.samora@gmail.com