Wedding Video Now A Tool To Fight Domestic Violence

Have you seen the dancing newlyweds? Chances are good you have because their YouTube wedding procession video has been a viral hit.

Well, they are using their global fame to raise money to combat domestic violence. And it's no accident that Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz chose that cause. The video's music comes from Chris Brown, the R&B vocalist and convicted domestic abuser of fellow singing-star Rihanna.

Peterson and Heinz explain on their new Web site, http://www.jkweddingdance.com/, "We have been through a lot in life, but have come through each experience stronger and more in love with each other. Our experience since we posted the video has been incredible. We would never have expected this response to our wedding entrance in a million years. We hope to direct this positivity to a good cause. Due to the circumstances surrounding the song in our wedding video, we have chosen the Sheila Wellstone Institute." Peterson and Heinz note that "Sheila Wellstone was an advocate, organizer, and national champion in the effort to end domestic violence in our communities."

Wellstone officials recently reported that the video had inspired 100 people to donate more than $3,000.

The song in the video, "Forever," also has collected a surge in digital downloads of the hit since the wedding video went live July 19. Nielsen reports that digital downloads for the song went from fewer than 3,000 for the week ending July 19 to 50,000 for the week ending July 26, even though "Forever" was released in 2008.

The couple's video from the June 20 wedding at Christ Lutheran Church in St. Paul has collected more than 13 million views. It also includes an ad for downloading the song.

I think that's a pretty cool way to make something positive and uplifting and meaningful out of this Chris Brown/Rihanna situation. . . although I understand that not everyone who sees the video gets the point of them using this music. And I get that too. But above all I wish them a wonderful, long, safe, secure, and healthy married life. And may they always dance.