Michelle Smith

I became an ordained minister not to fit into tradition, but to make space for something more honest and inclusive in a place that often leans the opposite way. In a deeply traditional area, I’ve always walked a different path. One rooted in eclectic pagan beliefs, where spirituality is personal, fluid, and deeply connected to intention rather than rigid structure. Becoming ordained felt like a natural extension of that path. It gave me the ability to stand beside the people I love and offer them ceremonies that reflect who they truly are, not who they’re expected to be. I wanted to create weddings that feel sacred without being confined; spaces where love is honored in all its forms, where beliefs outside the mainstream are respected, and where no one has to compromise their identity just to say “I do.”

I’m a Shenango Valley native, born and raised in Hermitage, where my roots first took hold and my story began. This area shaped my perspective small-town values mixed with a quiet resilience you only understand if you’ve lived it. As life carried me forward, I planted my roots more deeply in Sharon, building my life and connections in the very heart of the valley. No matter where I go, this region is stitched into who I am. Home isn’t just a place here, it’s part of my identity.

I hope to build a deeper spiritual connection within my community by creating space for those who often feel unseen or unheard. Through performing ceremonies that honor individuality rather than tradition, I want to give a voice to those who don’t always have one. People whose beliefs, identities, or paths fall outside the norm. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can show up as they are, be celebrated without judgment, and experience something meaningful and sacred on their own terms.

I believe my wedding ceremonies are special because they’re built around the couple’s personal spirituality rather than a one size fits all tradition. I take the time to understand who they are, what they believe, and what feels sacred to them, then I weave that into a ceremony that actually reflects their story. For those of us who have always felt like misfits, there’s something powerful about being seen and accepted without needing to edit ourselves to fit a mold. My ceremonies create a space where love is honored exactly as it exists, where differences are embraced, and where people can feel safe, respected, and fully themselves in one of the most important moments of their lives.