Junior Rasmussen
The JK Wedding Entrance Dance is a viral video uploaded to YouTube in 2009, featuring the wedding of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz. The video, which has accumulated over 100 million views, shows the couple and their wedding party dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown's Forever. The song's use in the video caused it to reach number 4 on iTunes and number 3 on Amazon.com.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names of the couple | Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz |
| Date of wedding | June 2, 2009 |
| Date video was uploaded | July 19, 2009 |
| Song used in the video | "Forever" by Chris Brown |
| Video views | Over 100 million |
| Video views in the first week | More than 10 million |
| Video views in the first 48 hours | 3.5 million |
| Video views in the first month | Over 16 million |
| Video views in 2019 | 98 million |
| Video views in 2021 | Over 100 million |
| Video views in 2024 | 19 million |
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What You'll Learn
Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz's wedding dance video
Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz from St. Paul, Minnesota, had a unique vision for their wedding ceremony. Instead of the traditional "Canon in D" and "Bridal Chorus" wedding march, the couple decided to dance down the aisle to Chris Brown's pop song "Forever". The video, titled "JK Wedding Entrance Dance", was uploaded to YouTube in July 2009 and quickly went viral, amassing over 98 million views.
The five-minute-long clip shows the bridal party joyously dancing down the aisle in a choreographed routine, with seven bridesmaids, five groomsmen, and four ushers grooving to the music. The groomsmen even split into sides as Heinz did a somersault, followed by Peterson, who strutted down the aisle, shaking her hips and pumping her bridal bouquet.
The couple shared that they never expected the video to gain so much recognition and that the experience was intense. They received various offers, including book deals, reality TV hosting gigs, and opportunities to appear on shows like "Dancing with the Stars". However, they consciously decided to step away from the spotlight. Peterson reflected that the video felt like a separate, bizarre thing from their actual wedding day, which she described as warm and intimate.
Despite their decision to distance themselves from the fame, Jill and Kevin used their platform for a charitable cause. They set up a website accepting donations for an organization combating domestic violence and raised over $70,000 over the years. The couple also shared their email addresses and received messages from people whose days were brightened by the video.
The video's impact extended beyond just views and donations. It inspired similar routines at other weddings and was even spoofed on an episode of "The Office", further cementing its place in pop culture history.
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Forever by Chris Brown
"Forever" by Chris Brown is a song that was used in the viral "JK Wedding Entrance Dance" video, which was originally uploaded to YouTube on July 19, 2009. The video features the wedding of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz, who, along with their wedding party, dance down the aisle to the song "Forever." The video became an instant hit, accumulating more than 3.5 million views in its first 48 hours and over 16 million views in its first month.
"Forever" is the lead single from the re-release of Chris Brown's second album, "Exclusive." The song was initially recorded for a Wrigley's Doublemint commercial, and some of its lyrics echo the Wrigley's catchphrase, "Double your pleasure, double your fun." The song's upbeat and catchy rhythm, along with its romantic and playful lyrics, make it a perfect choice for a wedding dance.
[Verse 1] of "Forever" begins with the couple "moving at the speed of light into eternity," emphasizing the excitement and anticipation of the wedding night. The lyrics "It's you and me" set the tone for the rest of the song, celebrating the union of two people in love. The verse continues with the singer expressing his desire to "take [his partner] to the dance floor" and create unforgettable memories together.
As the song progresses into the chorus, the lyrics "It's like I've waited my whole life for this one night" capture the sentiment of a couple's wedding day, the culmination of their love and commitment. The chorus also includes the iconic lines "Double your pleasure, double your fun," inviting everyone to join in the celebration and dance "forever."
The second verse of "Forever" continues the theme of eternal love and rebellion, with lyrics like "Feels like our love's intertwined" and "We can be two rebels, breaking the rules." These lines reflect the spirit of a couple forging their own path and creating their own unique memories on their wedding day.
The use of "Forever" in the JK Wedding Dance video not only added to the joy and excitement of the celebration but also contributed to the song's success. The viral video brought renewed attention to "Forever," influencing its record sales and YouTube channel views. The song's popularity also led to its inclusion in other media, such as the sitcom "The Office" and the movies "Dance Flick" and "Joyful Noise."
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The video's impact on Chris Brown's popularity
The "JK Wedding Entrance Dance" video, featuring the wedding of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz, used Chris Brown's song "Forever" as its choreography. The video went viral, accumulating over 3.5 million views in its first 48 hours and more than 16 million views in its first month. As of July 2021, it had been viewed over 100 million times.
The video's popularity had a notable impact on Chris Brown's popularity and record sales. On July 26, 2009, sales of "Forever" reached number 4 on iTunes and number 3 on Amazon.com. The song, originally released in 2009, experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its association with the viral wedding video.
Beyond the increased sales and attention for "Forever," the video's popularity also brought renewed interest in Chris Brown as an artist. This impact extended beyond the immediate sales boost, contributing to his overall popularity and presence in the music industry.
It's important to note that the video's impact on Chris Brown's popularity occurred amidst the controversy surrounding his assault allegations against Rihanna. Some sources suggest that his talent and ownership of the situation led to continued support from the music community, allowing him to maintain and grow his popularity despite the allegations. Others argue that the allegations could have significantly impacted his career had his record company dropped him, but he was able to move on and continue his success.
In the years following the viral video, Chris Brown continued to achieve success and recognition in the music industry. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including being the second most decorated artist in the history of the BET Awards and holding the record for the most Vevo certifications among male R&B artists. In 2022, his song "Under the Influence" went viral on TikTok, further showcasing his enduring popularity and relevance in the music industry.
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The couple's appearance on TV shows
Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz' wedding dance video, set to Chris Brown's "Forever", became a viral sensation, attracting over 100 million views on YouTube. The couple's creative entrance, featuring their wedding party dancing down the aisle, captured the attention of people worldwide and led to numerous opportunities, including appearances on TV shows.
One of the most notable TV show recreations of their wedding dance was on the popular comedy series "The Office". In the "Niagara" episode, the main characters pay tribute to the viral video by performing their own version of the dance, much to the surprise of the original couple, who had no prior knowledge of the parody. The Office's take on the wedding dance even included a humorous twist, with Dwight accidentally knocking out a bridesmaid, which became a favourite moment for Jill and Kevin's children.
The couple also received an invitation from the "Today" show, which they accepted, travelling to New York City to recreate their viral wedding dance live on national television. The entire wedding party joined them, and the experience, though described as "cheesy and weird" by Jill, allowed them to celebrate and have fun. The "Today" show interview also provided an opportunity for the couple to discuss their video and the unexpected viral fame that followed.
The JK Wedding Entrance Dance's impact extended internationally, with the remaining contestants and guests on "Dancing with the Stars" in Australia recreating the joyful dance routine. Additionally, T-Mobile joined in on the phenomenon, spoofing the wedding dance video ahead of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding in 2011.
Beyond TV appearances, the viral video led to various offers for the couple, including book deals, hosting reality TV shows, dancing at celebrity weddings, and even a reality TV hosting gig. However, Jill and Kevin chose to focus on their personal and professional lives, with Jill becoming a university professor and Kevin working as an immigration lawyer. They also started a family, welcoming three children and embracing a fulfilling life together.
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The video's influence on other wedding dances
The JK Wedding Entrance Dance video, featuring Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz's wedding party dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever", went viral almost immediately after being uploaded to YouTube in July 2009. In its first 48 hours, the video accumulated more than 3.5 million views and gained over 16 million views in its first month. As of July 2021, it had been viewed over 100 million times. The video's popularity inspired many other choreographed wedding entrance videos, and it was ranked by Time magazine as one of the greatest YouTube videos of all time.
The JK Wedding Dance video's influence extended beyond just inspiring other wedding dances. It also had a significant impact on the sales of Chris Brown's song "Forever", which was used for the choreography. In the week following the video's release, sales of the song reached number 4 on iTunes and number 3 on Amazon.com. This was particularly notable given the controversy surrounding Chris Brown at the time, as he had recently pleaded guilty to felony assault against his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.
The video's popularity also led to increased media attention for the couple, with appearances on morning shows like NBC's "Today" and ABC's "Good Morning America". The couple even recreated their wedding dance live on TV, along with their entire wedding party. The video's influence extended internationally as well, with the remaining contestants and guests on "Dancing with the Stars" in Australia recreating the dance.
In addition to its impact on popular culture, the JK Wedding Dance video also had a positive social impact. The couple used their platform to raise awareness and funds for organisations working to end domestic violence, such as the Sheila Wellstone Institute. Over the years, they have raised over $70,000 for various charities. This aspect of the video's influence demonstrates how a viral sensation can be harnessed for positive social change.
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Frequently asked questions
The song used in J & K's wedding dance is "Forever" by Chris Brown.
J & K are Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz.
The video was uploaded to YouTube on July 19, 2009, and went viral within 48 hours, accumulating more than 3.5 million views.
The video features the wedding of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz, with the wedding party dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown's "Forever".
The video inspired many other choreographed wedding entrance videos and gained widespread attention, with appearances on morning shows like NBC's Today Show and ABC's Good Morning America. It also raised awareness for domestic violence prevention and contributed funds to related organizations.
