L'chaim!
September 10, 2010 11:55 AM Subscribe
Vanessa's Wedding Surprise. SYTP but worth it.
Oh my God it's fucking Alvie from House! I knew he looked familiar! Holy Christ! This is awesome!
Also, I had no idea he wrote and starred in a Broadway musical. Guy is serious talented.
posted by lholladay at 12:14 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
Also, I had no idea he wrote and starred in a Broadway musical. Guy is serious talented.
posted by lholladay at 12:14 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
And a young Al Franken.
posted by fungible at 12:15 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by fungible at 12:15 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
I feel like the high production values detract somehow. Am I having some kind of "uncanny valley" problem with this? It almost looks like a real wedding. Almost.
posted by baltimoretim at 12:18 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by baltimoretim at 12:18 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
Very well done.
But does anyone else feel just a little bitter about so much joyfulness? It's probably some kind of weird psychological defense against song and laughter that my antisocial geek brain has developed.
posted by Harry at 12:18 PM on September 10, 2010
But does anyone else feel just a little bitter about so much joyfulness? It's probably some kind of weird psychological defense against song and laughter that my antisocial geek brain has developed.
posted by Harry at 12:18 PM on September 10, 2010
Alvie from House!
Holy crap, I was thinking the same thing, where have I seen that guy, kinda looks like Tom Green but I know it's not Tom Green, oh well I'm probably imagining things. Lin-Manuel Miranda! I guess this would help explain the high production values, dude has some resources to hand.
posted by Gator at 12:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Holy crap, I was thinking the same thing, where have I seen that guy, kinda looks like Tom Green but I know it's not Tom Green, oh well I'm probably imagining things. Lin-Manuel Miranda! I guess this would help explain the high production values, dude has some resources to hand.
posted by Gator at 12:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
And "uncanny valley" is almost exactly what this is.
posted by Harry at 12:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Harry at 12:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Such a beautiful bride!
posted by longsleeves at 12:21 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by longsleeves at 12:21 PM on September 10, 2010
Way too much schmaltz...
posted by jim in austin at 12:22 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by jim in austin at 12:22 PM on September 10, 2010
Oh my God it's fucking Alvie from House!
Dude performed at the White House.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2010
Dude performed at the White House.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2010
I liked his Alexander Hamilton bit, for sure, though it didn't have the cute factor of this one. (errr, previously)
posted by billcicletta at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by billcicletta at 12:23 PM on September 10, 2010
With the world the way it is today, I needed a little schmaltz. I figured maybe the rest of you could use some as well.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 12:25 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 12:25 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
I love Lin! Loooooove him. Love him.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:27 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:27 PM on September 10, 2010
Yay for the happy couple, etc. but I have a question: have there always been such spectacles at weddings, or can the rise in showmanship be attributed to YouTube? It seems like every other week now there's a splashy proposal or wedding viral video, and I'm sure there are many that aren't good or funny enough to be passed around. I'm wondering if the novelty will wear off or if we can reasonably expect Broadway productions when attending weddings now. One thing's for sure, I'll never agree to stand up in a wedding again!
posted by desjardins at 12:27 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by desjardins at 12:27 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
Such a beautiful bride!
Beautiful, but damn, too young (looking) to be getting married.
I guess you gotta LOCK THAT DOWN.
Who's the asshole you clicked dislike?
Heh, thanks MetaFilter. (I admit I only watched 2 minutes before I had enough.)
posted by mrgrimm at 12:28 PM on September 10, 2010
Beautiful, but damn, too young (looking) to be getting married.
I guess you gotta LOCK THAT DOWN.
Who's the asshole you clicked dislike?
Heh, thanks MetaFilter. (I admit I only watched 2 minutes before I had enough.)
posted by mrgrimm at 12:28 PM on September 10, 2010
I can't lie, though; I was hoping he was going to bust out a custom rap.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:30 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:30 PM on September 10, 2010
Yay for the happy couple, etc. but I have a question: have there always been such spectacles at weddings, or can the rise in showmanship be attributed to YouTube?
Hamid Drake played tablas at our wedding in 1977. I have a picture, but no video tape exists. I/we would have been flat out embarrassed at such spectacle at ours. Still, l'chaim & mazel tov to the lovely couple!
posted by beelzbubba at 12:42 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Hamid Drake played tablas at our wedding in 1977. I have a picture, but no video tape exists. I/we would have been flat out embarrassed at such spectacle at ours. Still, l'chaim & mazel tov to the lovely couple!
posted by beelzbubba at 12:42 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
In the notes for the video on YouTube he mentioned that "All of Vanessa's close friends and family rehearsed for a month in secret", so the high production values aren't that surprising, especially if some of them are already professional performers.
posted by IanMorr at 12:46 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by IanMorr at 12:46 PM on September 10, 2010
You should see what they planned for the honeymoon!
-I'll be here all week.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 12:46 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
-I'll be here all week.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 12:46 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
The father of bride and father of groom really brought it. Wow.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:55 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:55 PM on September 10, 2010
In my life, I've seen the wedding memory process progress from 1. getting the right photographer / album where everyone got a photo with their thank you card to 2. getting the right videographer / post-production editor where everyone got a DVD with their thank you card to, 3. now, getting a great hit count on You Tube where everyone gets a note to check out the link. I'm not a grump -- really -- I have been to a great many wonderful weddings and joyous receptions. But I honestly lament the passage to step 3. When did weddings stop becoming events to be shared with family and friends and start becoming social media forum triggers for a bunch of strangers to pass judgement on the quality of the reception entertainment and how nicely turned out the wedding party and guests are?
Maybe "When?" is the wrong question.
Why?
posted by Mike D at 12:58 PM on September 10, 2010 [5 favorites]
Maybe "When?" is the wrong question.
Why?
posted by Mike D at 12:58 PM on September 10, 2010 [5 favorites]
I sat in my office by myself and clapped when that was over.
posted by Shohn at 1:01 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by Shohn at 1:01 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
3. When did weddings stop becoming events to be shared with family and friends and start becoming social media forum triggers for a bunch of strangers to pass judgement on the quality of the reception entertainment and how nicely turned out the wedding party and guests are?
I wouldn't get too upset, Mike D. I think 99% of these sorts of wedding videos are either hoaxes (OMGBRIDE) or professional entertainers.
posted by mrgrimm at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010
I wouldn't get too upset, Mike D. I think 99% of these sorts of wedding videos are either hoaxes (OMGBRIDE) or professional entertainers.
posted by mrgrimm at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010
Oh, on another note, I'm involved professionally in the arts. When my wife and I got married, our reception focus was on celebrating our marriage, but we sort of couldn't help but also be focused on entertaining the crowd. We had dancers, performers, singers, videos, what have you. While we're not going to put it on YouTube, we didn't make the reception like this because we're exhibitionists - we did it because she and I wanted everyone at the reception to have a blast. I mean, the folks in attendance at a wedding reception usually have a pretty good idea what the bride and/or groom are like (and vice versa). Its not hard for experienced performers to plan out some brief performances that their friends and family are going to enjoy and it ended up being a memorable experience for everyone.
Anyhow, I think people have being doing goofy, elaborate stuff at wedding receptions for years. If some of it is worth sharing with the world now, well, rock and roll. We always have the option not to watch it.
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
Anyhow, I think people have being doing goofy, elaborate stuff at wedding receptions for years. If some of it is worth sharing with the world now, well, rock and roll. We always have the option not to watch it.
posted by Joey Michaels at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
A lot of these things make me cringe, but this was adorable. If my dear old dad and husband conspired to do something like that for me, I'd go "D'awwww!"
posted by Solon and Thanks at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by Solon and Thanks at 1:02 PM on September 10, 2010
That is the sort of wedding video that makes me think "Gee, why didn't I think of that for OUR wedding?"
Oh well, our 10th is not that far way....
posted by happyroach at 1:07 PM on September 10, 2010
Oh well, our 10th is not that far way....
posted by happyroach at 1:07 PM on September 10, 2010
Oh and St. Alia of the Bunnies? Thank you for bringing something sweet and schmaltzy into the cold, brutal winter of the soul that is Metafilter.
posted by happyroach at 1:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by happyroach at 1:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Why?
Why not? Sure seemed like they enjoyed themselves; isn't that the point?
posted by inigo2 at 1:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
Why not? Sure seemed like they enjoyed themselves; isn't that the point?
posted by inigo2 at 1:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
Oh well, our 10th is not that far way....
LOL. CIAO. Our 50th is in Dec.
posted by notreally at 1:15 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
LOL. CIAO. Our 50th is in Dec.
posted by notreally at 1:15 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Aww! I can't believe I remembered all the lyrics, too. When I was in Grade 7 at Pope Pius X Comprehensive in Montreal, Fiddler on the Roof was our school play, and that song (and our ringer professional Russian dancer) always brought the house down. Nothing like a bunch of (mostly) Italian Catholic kids drinking Brio and singing their hearts out to the finest schmaltz.
posted by maudlin at 1:18 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by maudlin at 1:18 PM on September 10, 2010
yeah, this sort of thing is a lot easier when you and all your friends and family are in the entertainment industry. But if you and all your friends are in the entertainment industry, why the hell not do something like this? It's fun, it's adorable, it's obviously carefully rehearsed but the joy is real, there was nobody at that wedding who wasn't totally into it in the moment. So it's schmoopy and schmaltzy, so what? Is schmaltzy really the worst thing that can possibly happen at a freaking wedding?
posted by KathrynT at 1:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by KathrynT at 1:19 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Mike D: The vast majority of weddings remain comfortably at step 1. Fear not.
posted by rusty at 1:21 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by rusty at 1:21 PM on September 10, 2010
Sorry, I didn't mean to come off like "you shouldn't do that at your wedding." It was intended more like "what? when did this happen? was I sleeping?"
Anyway, I'm glad my husband didn't do this, because the song he sings most frequently is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
posted by desjardins at 1:24 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
Anyway, I'm glad my husband didn't do this, because the song he sings most frequently is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
posted by desjardins at 1:24 PM on September 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
This is the type of thing that is great if you can pull it off, but I really hope doesn't become enough of a trend that it truly starts being expected. Because, the truth is, the world just isn't really full of that many talented people. And sometimes weddings can be awkward enough.
This one, though, is great.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:32 PM on September 10, 2010
This one, though, is great.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:32 PM on September 10, 2010
L'Chaim!
My cheek muscles hurt from my continuous smile throughout watching that.
And, dammit, I think fall allergies have started too soon.
posted by ericb at 1:40 PM on September 10, 2010
My cheek muscles hurt from my continuous smile throughout watching that.
And, dammit, I think fall allergies have started too soon.
posted by ericb at 1:40 PM on September 10, 2010
I'm wondering if the novelty will wear off or if we can reasonably expect Broadway productions when attending weddings now.
I read through this whole thread without realising (though looking back there are a bunch of allusions to this in the comments) that this was video from the wedding of Lin Manuel Miranda, writer and star of In the Heights, which won the 2008 Tony award for best musical and was nominated for twelve others. Broadway stars are only sort of borderline famous in many contexts, but these aren't really regular people either.
posted by two or three cars parked under the stars at 1:58 PM on September 10, 2010
I read through this whole thread without realising (though looking back there are a bunch of allusions to this in the comments) that this was video from the wedding of Lin Manuel Miranda, writer and star of In the Heights, which won the 2008 Tony award for best musical and was nominated for twelve others. Broadway stars are only sort of borderline famous in many contexts, but these aren't really regular people either.
posted by two or three cars parked under the stars at 1:58 PM on September 10, 2010
because the song he sings most frequently is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Holy cats, that would be the most awesome wedding moment fricken' ever - especially if the groomsmen and bridesmaids embodied the lyrics. The ship. The storm. The mourning families. Amazing.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
Holy cats, that would be the most awesome wedding moment fricken' ever - especially if the groomsmen and bridesmaids embodied the lyrics. The ship. The storm. The mourning families. Amazing.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:09 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
I was mostly amazed at the number of people they had in their wedding party. It seemed close to 20ish! We only had 4 on each side and we thought that was big. My main regret though is we didn't get anybody to film the ceremony. The photographers were great, but it would have been nice to watch the vows and readings again. Oh well.
posted by kmz at 2:19 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by kmz at 2:19 PM on September 10, 2010
There's a really good documentary about how In the Heights made it to Broadway, which was NOT the normal way.
posted by smackfu at 2:20 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by smackfu at 2:20 PM on September 10, 2010
It's not like it never happens, but I do wish that more major-lifetime-signpost rituals could involve sneaking around and rehearsing musical theater without getting caught.
posted by StickyCarpet at 3:00 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by StickyCarpet at 3:00 PM on September 10, 2010 [4 favorites]
Well, this puts my two-minute speech at my sister's reception that same day (during which no one laughed at the funny bits) in perspective.
posted by sugarfish at 3:12 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by sugarfish at 3:12 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
I went to grade school with the bride. Things change.
posted by Bromius at 3:22 PM on September 10, 2010
posted by Bromius at 3:22 PM on September 10, 2010
It's not like it never happens, but I do wish that more major-lifetime-signpost rituals could involve sneaking around and rehearsing musical theater without getting caught.
Honey, I promise I wasn't sneaking around rehearsing musical theater. I'm having an affair. No, really, I promise. Ignore the cat-like make-up.
posted by Joey Michaels at 3:22 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
Honey, I promise I wasn't sneaking around rehearsing musical theater. I'm having an affair. No, really, I promise. Ignore the cat-like make-up.
posted by Joey Michaels at 3:22 PM on September 10, 2010 [3 favorites]
(puffs cigar). That's quite an act. What do you call yourselves?
It's not surprising, as this guy is probably fairly well-to-do, talented, and somewhat famous, but holy schneikes the bride was smokin' hot!
posted by hincandenza at 3:25 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
It's not surprising, as this guy is probably fairly well-to-do, talented, and somewhat famous, but holy schneikes the bride was smokin' hot!
posted by hincandenza at 3:25 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
It's not surprising, as this guy is probably fairly well-to-do, talented, and somewhat famous, but holy schneikes the bride was smokin' hot!
and according to wikipedia they met in high school. Looks like they both bet on winners.
posted by djduckie at 3:53 PM on September 10, 2010
and according to wikipedia they met in high school. Looks like they both bet on winners.
posted by djduckie at 3:53 PM on September 10, 2010
Joey Michaels, you are forbidden from memailing him and giving him ideas for renewing our vows. Anyway, it's a good thing that my husband is an introvert, because he also loves doing the Swedish Chef voice. But only for me. BORK BORK BORK
posted by desjardins at 5:22 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 5:22 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Wait...is anyone in the wedding actually Jewish?
posted by dry white toast at 7:43 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by dry white toast at 7:43 PM on September 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Anyway, it's a good thing that my husband is an introvert
Ha, my husband sang at our wedding. He as tipsy and was handed the microphone by his best friend when the song "My Ding-A-Ling" was played by the DJ. He sang it, while we all tried not to die laughing. (he had done it twice before at karoake, and it was just hilarious.)
We didn't have video at our wedding so there is no video of it but, it is one of my favorite moments surrounding our wedding. We'll be married 12 years next month and he is still an introvert.
posted by SuzySmith at 12:14 AM on September 11, 2010
Ha, my husband sang at our wedding. He as tipsy and was handed the microphone by his best friend when the song "My Ding-A-Ling" was played by the DJ. He sang it, while we all tried not to die laughing. (he had done it twice before at karoake, and it was just hilarious.)
We didn't have video at our wedding so there is no video of it but, it is one of my favorite moments surrounding our wedding. We'll be married 12 years next month and he is still an introvert.
posted by SuzySmith at 12:14 AM on September 11, 2010
Anyhow, I think people have being doing goofy, elaborate stuff at wedding receptions for years.
Hoo boy, yeah. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't.
In the doesn't column:
Bride ducking out in the middle of the wedding and reappearing in the balcony above the congregation to sing to her groom and walk..ever...so...slowly...down... the... stairs... the... whole... time... (where... we... couldn't... see... her... singing... into... the... microphone... only... hear... her). And she couldn't sing well, which was painful. This was also the same wedding where the candles set a curtain on fire behind the alter, an alarm went off, and the firemen came.
In the goes well column:
Costume wedding in the woods off of the northern Maine coast. Lots of saris, and coattails, and top hats, and cheongsams and bare feet. A group of us rehearsed the pastor's speech from The Princess Bride and popped up one at a time to deliver it line by line at one point. It was already a quirky, fun wedding with lots of merriment and silliness, and no pomp and circumstance so fit in very well with what was going on.
All BYT.*
*Before You Tube.
posted by jeanmari at 7:52 AM on September 11, 2010
Hoo boy, yeah. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't.
In the doesn't column:
Bride ducking out in the middle of the wedding and reappearing in the balcony above the congregation to sing to her groom and walk..ever...so...slowly...down... the... stairs... the... whole... time... (where... we... couldn't... see... her... singing... into... the... microphone... only... hear... her). And she couldn't sing well, which was painful. This was also the same wedding where the candles set a curtain on fire behind the alter, an alarm went off, and the firemen came.
In the goes well column:
Costume wedding in the woods off of the northern Maine coast. Lots of saris, and coattails, and top hats, and cheongsams and bare feet. A group of us rehearsed the pastor's speech from The Princess Bride and popped up one at a time to deliver it line by line at one point. It was already a quirky, fun wedding with lots of merriment and silliness, and no pomp and circumstance so fit in very well with what was going on.
All BYT.*
*Before You Tube.
posted by jeanmari at 7:52 AM on September 11, 2010
This was awesome! I love Fiddler, it provides great source material for weddings.
My wedding wasn't quite so choreographed. But the groomsmen did do a strip-tease to "I'm Too Sexy" while wearing kilts, and my brother and I did juggle fire. So it was a fun time I think still.
I think it's great that people find a way to celebrate that makes them happy, and if they can share some of that happiness all the better.
posted by MrBobaFett at 3:49 PM on September 11, 2010
My wedding wasn't quite so choreographed. But the groomsmen did do a strip-tease to "I'm Too Sexy" while wearing kilts, and my brother and I did juggle fire. So it was a fun time I think still.
I think it's great that people find a way to celebrate that makes them happy, and if they can share some of that happiness all the better.
posted by MrBobaFett at 3:49 PM on September 11, 2010
Wait...is anyone in the wedding actually Jewish?
Who cares?
posted by monkeymadness at 5:03 AM on September 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Who cares?
posted by monkeymadness at 5:03 AM on September 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
This wedding in the NY Times Vows column. Mostly about their background and courtship (the bride is super geeky cool! went to MIT, kicks ass in video games).
posted by girlhacker at 10:32 AM on September 12, 2010
posted by girlhacker at 10:32 AM on September 12, 2010
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posted by BurntHombre at 11:59 AM on September 10, 2010