Nashville Celtic Weddings

and Receptions

Celebrate your wedding in style!

For centuries bagpipers have played for weddings in Scotland, Ireland and throughout Europe. Elegant and stately, the instrument heralds the marriage ceremony with music that speaks to heritage and tradition as few other instruments can. Make your special day memorable with the powerful, stirring sound of the Great Highland Pipes.

Legend of the Scotch Thistle
National Flower of Scotland
Legend tells of a Viking invasion long ago. As the Vikings approached a Scottish castle under cover of night, they stepped into a field of thistle in their bare feet and yelled out in pain. Their cries awoke the soldiers encamped outside the castle and the attack was thwarted. Since then, thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland.

Watkins & Clark Wedding, Wightman Chapel, March 2006

Mary McNiven's friend Johnny Bannerman wrote Mairi's Wedding (aka "Marie's Wedding" and the "Lewis Bridal Song") in 1934 using a traditional Scots tune, and it was first played for her at the Old Highlanders Institute in Glasgow's Elmbank Street. Sir Hugh S. Robertson translated the Scottish Gaelic language into English a year later. It was specifically written for the wedding of Miss McNiven to Skye-born sea captain John Campbell, although the ceremony didn't take place for another 6 years! The bride lived into her nineties and is reported as being amazed by the song's popularity. "Mairi's Wedding" has been recorded by Kenneth McKellar, The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftains with Van Morrison, The Kings Singers and others. The Rankin Family took it to number one in Canada. Needless to say it is popular in weddings with a Scottish theme.