Thinking it would be “fun to forgo tradition and do something unique,” David Hakimoglu and his fiancé Jasmine Murphy heard about the idea of being married during the Grand Floral Parade. “Love on Parade” it’s called. And they thought, why not?

So, Hakimoglu and Murphy pursued the opportunity to say their “I dos” during the parade, near the beginning, broadcast live on KPTV (Fox 12).

The Rose Festival picked them after interviewing some couples, sold on their love of Portland — and for each other.

“We had a really good interview, lots of laughs and ahhhs,” Hakimoglu said.

The nuptials will be administered by Rose Festival Clown Prince Angel Ocasio — no joke.

“Super nice guy, super fun,” Murphy said. “Shares my vision. I want people to wake up the day after and not say, ‘Ouch my head’ (as in a hangover), but ‘Ouch my ribs’ from laughing so much.”

It’ll be the first marriage for the 50-something Hakimoglu and 40-something Murphy. They hadn’t picked out a venue, except to think about doing an outdoors wedding somewhere.

“We were late showing up to the getting-married thing,” said Murphy, who’s from Northeast Portland and graduated from Grant High School.

Said Hakimoglu, who has lived in Portland for 32 years: “I almost feel bad for Jasmine’s parents. But I think Jasmine really loves Portland, she’s into the city. I’m really looking forward it.”

Marilyn Clint, Rose Festival CEO, said they received about 30 applicants for “Love on Parade.”

“It’s so much fun,” she said. “(The ceremony) all has to happen in three minutes, and (Angel) says we can do anything they want. He’s married two couples in his time.”

Hakimoglu and Murphy met about 11 years ago while both worked for a property management company — Hakimoglu in maintenance, Murphy as a property manager.

“I thought he was cute,” Murphy said.

When Hakimoglu left for another job, he said she should come watch his band play. The relationship didn’t take off, but they stayed in touch via social media and then started dating about 5 1/2 years ago. “He said, ‘Hey, how about lunch?’ And now I’m getting married at the Rose Festival,” Murphy said.

On Christmas Day 2023, Hakimoglu said the last present under the tree was for Murphy. He pulled the present out, and, surprise, surprise, it was revealed to be a ring. “I proposed that night,” he said.

It’ll be fitting to be married during the Rose Festival, Murphy added.

“Being a native Portlander, Rose Festival has been the backdrop to every phase of my life: Junior Parade, then trying out for junior princess and maybe don’t get it, then do the rides at Waterfront Park, then concerts at CityFair. It feels right to have the Rose Festival as the next backdrop of my life. … I don’t have to worry about the guest list, the whole city is coming.”