To Life: Vanessa's Wedding Surprise

My surprise for my wife Vanessa on our wedding day. All of Vanessa's close friends and family rehearsed for a month in secret, leading up to the reception. What we lack in polish, we hopefully make up for in joy and love. In any event, everyone in this video has one thing in common: We'd do anything to show Vanessa how much we love her.
A heartfelt thanks to all our friends and family who participated. Special thanks to Alex Lacamoire, who went above and beyond on the music tip, Sara Miller, for her incredible patience and choreography, Andy Blankenbuehler for letting us use his studio, and Films by Francesco, for filming and putting this together so quickly and beautifully. And thanks to Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick, for writing an unbelievably good song. L'Chaim!

[@actingforever97]

this just raised the standards for whoever im going to marry

[@Some_Call_Me_Pietro]

Only Lin would be this extra

[@salma-vr2ug]

A TOAST TO THE GROOM TO THE GROOM TO THE GROOM TO THE BRIDE TO THE BRIDE TO THE BRIIIIIIIDE

[@yaboiuwu8442]

"Vanessa my daughter" *"MY WIFE"*

[@ruby5787]

If whoever I marry doesn't go "MY WIFE!" at my wedding, I'm leaving them

[@MyLatestEscape]

That's what happens when you marry a Tony award winning composer/actor. Also clear who has the talent in those families :D

[@lineygoblue4252]

That look on Vanessa's face when her Dad starts singing is priceless. What a great family to get together an make her day so special. Congratulations!

[@Koribaby1]

Lin looks so happy every time he gets to yell, "MY WIFE!" And I'm so happy Tommy Kail and Christopher Jackson were in Lin's wedding. Lin's father, Luis, has always been a card. Vanessa looks ecstatic at the whole thing. This is a blessed occasion.

[@scottcrainey]

There is so much love and joy in this I can scarcely stand it. I know this was over three years ago, but man, what an amazing gift to give your wife. Lin-Manuel, you sir are a king among men. Many years of love and good fortune to you both. :)

[@932ForeverLove]

Amen to that!

[@min-kn9ny]

*MY WIFE* Sorry, I know this is supposed to be beautiful but I couldn't stop laughing about Lin saying that

[@jordannickel-dubin9851]

Usnavi married Vanessa.....how it should be (HUGE In The Heights fan here :-))

[@hakunamattata437]

If I was required to watch a video over and over everyday for the rest of my life...I'm pretty sure this would be the one I'd choose.

[@usnavi]

@ThornhillSteve hahaha. Yes, I'm a pro. But do you really think I brought in ringers to play Vanessa's friends and family? We are students, doctors, accountants, teachers, lawyers and everything in between. They are totally badass because they worked their butts off, and my dear groomswoman Sara whipped us into shape on the choreography tip. I understand your suspicion though: This was the performance of our lives, for real. Thanks for posting!

[@lisacoll]

Not sure if you know this but at a Jewish Wedding it is a "Mitzvah" for the guests to entertain the bride and groom. Your wedding really nailed it - not just the performance, but the whole concept of bringing joy to the bride and groom. Clearly you get your joy from performing, and Vanessa loves watching you! Mazel Tov to you both! And Buena Suerte! Felicitaciones!

[@usnavi]

@droidmaker The questions you are asking are not mutually exclusive. Yes, I hired professional videographers to shoot the entire wedding. The name of the company is Films by Francesco, they're amazing, and they had three cameras (maybe more) on hand our entire wedding day. So what do you mean by is this real? Like, did we really get married, did we really prepare this as a surprise, was she surprised? That's a big yes, yes and yes. Thanks for posting!

[@maliamaley]

This is still the best thing on the internet.

[@jesusthroughmary]

I usually find these things pretentious, but this is perfect. It made my day.

[@Znaty92]

WAIT. Is that the guy from the episode of how i met

[@HaunaMyKiki]

They're not. The family is Puerto Rican, and Lin said the reason he chose this song was because it was the only song in the musical theatre canon that was between a groom and a father-in-law. Lin also said in his Tony speech,"I don't know about God, but I believe in Chris Jackson," so he's likely not religious at all.

[@d.aritos]

oh. my. god. my art teacher is the best man in this video!!!!!

[@jasminmcpines1585]

Oh god, chris jackson is there too!

[@JaguarStar999]

what an AMAZING wedding gift. I love this musical, I love Eastern music in general, and the way they all sang this was beautiful. I would be dying on the floor of happiness if my husband did something like that. Blessings to your marriage!

[@MusicFanOnline]

FATHER of the bride has the natural stage presence of a star! :-) Delightful to watch not only the groom, but to see all of the friends and family with reportedly no stage experience do such a great job!

[@sarahcyn]

Such a treasure - I often watch this again if I think I need cheering up!

[@OffgridTV]

Wow. ... fantastic

[@ValerieReneePsychicMedium]

Awesome!

[@isoldeeleison3121]

so sweet

[@hrhqueene]

This is the best thing I've seen all year!!! I hope you two are still glowing in love and happiness many years from now.

[@JConrado009]

Loved it, and laughed even more than the bride. Ended up with tears running down my face: thanks Lin-Manuel & remaining cast, for making every other married man's life for ever miserable, because we "didn't prepare a surprise like that at OUR wedding!" :P Best wishes!

[@ceceandcheng]

I'm not a very romantic guy, I don't particularly like weddings - but I have to admit that this video is deeply touching and heart-warming. It's little things like this that make me wonder... the cold, evil humanity we see every day in the news is always balanced by simple people's loving friendship - and that little touch of childish, enthusiastic madness that is our real strenght. These are people who really understand how to make their own life joyful and worth living.

[@samblackhardt8689]

Lins dad sounds exactly like him...

[@imagomonkei]

This is amazing. My jaw hit the floor.

[@2342kt]

I'm in tears--just finished reading an ARC of Tradition by Barbara Isenberg in which she mentions this production number. Vanessa is one lucky girl and what a nice group of family and friends

[@hannahw90hw]

best wedding video ever!!

[@MsTori1211]

the very first thing, outside of my son, that has made me smile and laugh since the loss of our daughter. when i'm feeling down i turn this on and really smile seeing all of the happiness this video represents. may you live a long and happy life.

[@ViiZedek]

heartwarming....i got shivers!

[@panjab2000]

WOW!! Really nice surprise for the bride! Well done to all involved

[@downtonabbeyaddicts2980]

You need to be on Broadway!

[@thegrxve]

"I've never had chill" I can see that in this

[@edieabels64]

This is the best. They were all wonderful. I have played too many times to count. Thanks for this very uplifting video.

[@KellyDsWorld]

HA... I am pretty sure I went to Middle School with Lin!!! :) Congrats Lin and Vanessa!

[@sharmaparth]

#Respect Bro... Awesome.. Surprise.. I think if she'll get angry or annoyed .. this video can make her happy anytime in her life.. All the best for your life.. :)

[@dancan2001]

Congratulations to Lin, Vanessa and everyone else!. I had to watch this video repeatedly because it exudes joy and effervescent smiling. (I am an alum of Wes, Class of 1975; I recognized Lin's name as a fellow alum). I am going to email this to my 22-year-old son who introduced me to In The Heights, a show he sings and performs all the time (He's a talented a rapper/performer too!)

[@adotburr9318]

I've scoured the internet for documented wedding numbers and there is simply nothing that can compare to this one. Here's to you Lin, an inspiration to all of us aspiring to be great husbands one day.

[@scifiradioguy]

Wow. He's gotta make a big production out of everything! ;)

[@TkMeBk]

Been DJ'ing weddings for over 20 years and this is the best "toast" I've EVER seen! Congrats to the Bride & Groom!

[@dakotart24]

cheers to all happy people in this world :)

[@lissagiselle]

I’m watching this 3 days before their anniversary in 2018. This is beautiful. This video is full of such beautiful people. My heart swells. ❤️❤️

[@theresad3717]

LOVE THIS!!! (And now I am also certain there are people out there who wake up each day and make it their job to give thumbs down to as many videos as they possibly can, because who else would give this a thumbs down?)

[@senarens7431]

I know this is 8 years old but this makes me really happy

[@cyberrallyo]

Delightful, on all counts! Kudos to Sara the choreographer for choosing simple steps that kept everyone in sync, showed the group to best advantage, and worked beautifully.

[@bugibug2919]

i'm honestly in tears, can't believe i just discovered this now lin-manuel, you, your wife, and your family are such good, kind people, and i hope that you will all be happy forevermore

[@MarthaGarvey]

I am not crying.

[@lauvredis]

I like the woman in the yellow dress. Mazel tov.

[@chcastro100]

quite natural and, yes, she's hot.

[@lauvredis]

☺

[@Danmark30]

WHat a JOY!!! The father of the Bride was so cute! This made me smile from ear to ear. What an amazing memory this must have been for the whole wedding party! THanks for making my morning a bright one. There is indeed JOY in the world!

[@drilonkennedy-gorne2049]

LIN INVITED CHRISTOPHER JACKSON TO HIS WEDDING!!! Did I see that right???? ALSO THEY'RE LECHAIM EVRYBODY! MAZAL TOV TO THE NEWLYWEDS! -I know I'm late-

[@JaneAgosta]

I couldn't stop grinning - made my day!!

[@morena-jackson]

Wow this was beautiful awesome, put a big smile on my face :) love it.

[@hal2202]

What a memorable gift! Having performed in several productions of Fiddler, I know what a joy--and tricky choreography--this number can be. This was terrific--something the bride (and everyone who was there) will be talking about for years! Mazel Tov on putting this together--and thanks for sharing this with the world.

[@Eticket109]

Freddy Flapman got married? Awesome. Great performance.

[@jesusthroughmary]

+1 for being a parent.

[@alexminskno5262]

Bravo, mazal tov. 3,525,666 viewers! I loved it.

[@BentleyGadget]

That is one of the best videos I've ever seen. I have tears in my eyes. I hope they have a long and happy marriage.

[@hafsa3025]

now THIS is relationship goals

[@LadyMaven]

Mazel Tov and Bravo! It warms my heart and just goes to show that all humans can identify with joy and music. L'Chaim!

[@margarettaylor473]

This is the first time I’ve noticed that Christopher Jackson was here (you can see him around 4:31)! Look at George Washington supporting his problematic son Ham, I’m so proud

[@RosesNightengales]

"Vanessa my daughter ); " "MY WIFE!!! 8D"

[@SilverGram]

Just another reason to totally love him!

[@shannonm3863]

0:45 To your UNIIIOOONNNN and the HOPE that you PROVIIIIIIIDDEE

[@AMBA331]

This is such a beautiful, incredible video. I loved it!! You must have had a lot of fun rehearsing. What a lovely wedding and a lovely wedding surprise. Congratulations!

[@OrnaBakes]

I LOVED watching this! It reminded me of when I was in a production of Fiddler on the Roof in high school in South Africa. Thank you for sharing this and wishing you and your beautiful bride the best.

[@talltree46]

and may you have lots of Children!!! to Life!!

[@stephenwestdevoncottagerental]

Amazing brought tears to my eyes ive played it several times over, God bless your marriage.

[@ncsapre]

When ever I feel depressed I watch this and my spirits are lifted. Thank you

[@thegrxve]

I cried watching this, Lin Manuel fricking miranda...you're such an amazing man..wtf man..👏💜

[@puck1724]

Anyone notice Lin’s fathers singing voice and his sound similar!! Also yay Alex and Chris cameos!

[@recnemorcen]

OMG I watched this the first time 7 years ago (and loved it!) and only now I realized that's Lin-Manuel!!

[@lovelaughlive1Dream]

That is one of the sweetest things ever!!

[@suziepluvsya]

The father has some smooth dancing moves!

[@martinezsandk]

All my friends, ESPECIALLY my musical theatre friends, a must watch!- apparently the groom is a broadway performer..... :) very cute!

[@treefroggy1997]

MY WIFE!!!

[@georgegrubbs2966]

That was absolutely great!

[@el_torr]

I have no words to describe how amazed I am.

[@prithampri]

Faith in love and marriages restored !!! Truly magical !! :D

[@byronsdad57]

Amazing, hope you two are doing well.

[@didi2626]

i have whatch this over 25 times,every time i find new thinks like expressions ,smiles ,gesture ,moves ,voices etc.that makes it authentic and wonderfoul. and thats why over 2 million people have whatch it in two months its because although its not a "broadway" choreography or stage like the big productions its "all"(surprise,emotion....love.) original and genuine. blessing for all.

[@daynamorris2399]

This makes me absurdly happy

[@paulhalsall9169]

This made me very happy. G-d bless your life together.

[@tiinaallen4973]

Great gift, what a fun family!

[@brendarevella]

What a wonderful memory for your family! Thank you for sharing this with the world (wide web). Best wishes to you.

[@SuperMetalhead96]

This beats the wedding in Hamilton

[@josviersel]

So well done. Are they still together and happy?

[@SexyHogwarts]

This was the cutest thing I've ever seen! Lin is the sweetest!!

[@RoryNicole]

That was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! 2 families that are truly 1 now!

[@NatandGeorge]

Incredibly beautiful! Bravo! Lucky bride! A moment to remember, dearly, for life. . .

[@abdcmom1]

I think this was the best thing I ever saw in my life!

[@shellyp231]

I can't stop smiling!!

[@CommanderJett]

Usually u get tons of haters in the comments. I just saw 30 positive remarks in a row. Legendary.

[@adelinearana157]

OMG HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS! THIS IS AMAZING AND WONDERFUL!

[@Rossinkras]

MAZEL TOV!!!!! LECHAIM!

[@dubblestuffedcakeslice9446]

Aww look at his little smile

[@victoriacazottes8725]

1:33 is truly the best thing ever

[@Lsmomwife]

Thank you for this. Lin-Manuel, I loved "In the Heights" and saw it before you made it Broadway. I couldn't stop talking about. As the mother of an engaged daughter, I wept at this video. Thank you again. Please continue to use your passion and talent to make us laugh and cry. Mazel tov on your wedding.