Bruce Miller, a pediatric ophthalmologist with a secret rock star heart, livened up his son’s wedding with a musical number that no one saw coming. The Weston, Fla., resident, who says “music is my life,” passed his passion for music to his children. His son, Jake Miller, even turned that love into a career as a professional musician.
When Jake married his now-wife, Brandi, Bruce asked if he could add a musical twist to his father-of-the-groom toast. “Can I do that at your wedding?” he inquired, inspired by another father’s musical toast that he had seen. Jake and Brandi eagerly agreed, setting the stage for a surprise performance nearly a year in the making.
“I’m a 70s rock music junkie and the (former) band Looking Glass had a hit song called ‘Brandy,’” the 61-year-old said. And it fittingly echoed the bride’s name. Determined to perfect his rendition, Bruce recorded an MP3 with one of Jake’s former producers and practiced tirelessly, even while driving.
Bruce Miller gives his musical speech during his son’s wedding. Photo courtesy of the Miller family
Just before the wedding, Bruce faced a health scare with kidney problems, fearing he might miss the big day. But he made it and when he stood before the guests, his emotions ran high. “I wasn’t sure I would even make it to the wedding,” he said.
I was so overwhelmed and grateful.”
After a heartfelt traditional speech, Bruce pivoted with, “Oh yeah, and one more thing…” and launched into his personalized song. The crowd was enchanted by lyrics that humorously detailed Jake and Brandi’s love story:
“They met the old-fashioned way
Jake was on tour near the Tampa Bay
He saw her picture on Instagram this way, so he slid into her DMs
He said, ‘Hey, come to my show’
She said, ‘I never heard of you, so why should I go?’
But they kept in touch and love started to grow
And here we are today.”
Jake wasn’t shocked by his dad’s show-stopping toast. “That’s just who he is,” Jake said. “The reason I got into music was because of my dad — he always played Bruce Springsteen and Eagles around the house and he taught me how to play drums when I was 8. My friends think he’s the cool and funny dad.”
Brandi and Jake started dating in August 2019, the couple shared. After the pandemic, the couple settled in with Jake’s family in Florida. “When I saw how well she got along with my parents and sister … I knew she was the one,” Jake said. Bruce agreed with his son. “We knew from the beginning … Brandi brought out Jake’s best and happiest version of himself.”
Bruce’s performance has since gone viral on TikTok, amassing over two million views. With his daughter Jenny recently engaged, Bruce is already brainstorming how to top his performance for her upcoming nuptials. After all, he found he loved performing at his son’s wedding. “My endorphins kicked in. I had the best time of my life,” Bruce said.
Warning: A bit of NSFW language can be heard. Otherwise, enjoy this amazing tribute to Bruce’s son and the new bride!
@jakemiller Wedding speech of the century 😂 @Brandi Miller @Wild & Roam Wedding Photo/Film ♬ original sound – Jake Miller
Sources: Today | Inspire More
