John Dwight Knepp

Please silence or mute your phones for the next 30 minutes, then you can go back to normal! Dan and Jihan would like to get a photo of you at the end of the ceremony. After they've walked down the aisle as husband and wife, please turn around so the photographer can get a picture of everyone.

Processional

~ Introductory Music ~

Minister: YOU MAY BE SEATED

Welcome Statement

Minister: Dear friends and family we are gathered here on this beautiful Oregon day to witness the union of Daniel Conaty and Jihan Al-Baqsami in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before God to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people.

This ceremony today calls upon each of us to recognize that love is our greatest unifier, the Divine spark that brings us all together. Dan and Jihan may come from different backgrounds and cultures, but their deep love and faith in each other is a true testament that love never fails.

It is wonderful to have friends and family here to join us today. The Bride and Groom would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives.

An now reading from Corinthians 1.13:, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails."

In the 2 years that Dan and Jihan have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind Dan and Jihan together.

Wedding Sermon

Minister: (Addressing guests) Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, as Dan and Jihan embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth.

(Addressing couple) Dan and Jihan, learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.

The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure.

Consecration

Minister: Under the eyes of God, I solemnly consecrate these matrimonial proceedings and the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.

As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female?” he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

Exchange of Vows

Jihan passes flowers to an attendant, John hands vows to Jihan & Dan

Minister: Daniel Conaty and Jihan Al-Baqsami, the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love in your own words. I would at this time invite you to publicly declare these vows:

Minister: Jihan, you may begin.

Repeats Her Vows

Minister: Dan, you may now make your promise.

Repeats His Vows

Declaration of Intent

Minister: Dan  and Jihan please face one another and join hands. 

Under the eyes of God, Dan, do you take Jihan to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?

Daniel Conaty: I do.

Minister: Under the eyes of God, Jihan, do you take Dan  to for your lawful wedded husband? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage.

Jihan Al-Basami: I do.

Minister: Very well.

Exchange of Rings

Minister: Cullen the rings please

Minister: To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day.

Will each of you please repeat after me as you place the ring on your loved ones hand?

Dan Conaty: I, Dan, give you Jihan this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.

Jihan Al-Basami: I, Jihan, give you Dan this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.

Minister: Takes 3 steps to the right with the michrophone for photos of pronouncement

Pronouncement

Minister: By the power vested in me, by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Oregon, I pronounce you, Daniel Conaty and Jihan Al-Basami as Husband and Wife, lawfully wedded before God.

Kiss

Minister:  You may now kiss the bride.

Presentation

Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Conaty!

Recessional