The Wedding Ceremony is one of those defining moments of a couple’s new life together. Nothing captures the emotion of that moment more than the enchanting sound of the Bagpipes.
From the moment the Bride is led down the isle to the beautiful “Highland Cathedral”, her guests are transported to a different place in time.
With a loving kiss at the alter, the newlyweds turn to face their guests and take their first steps as a married couple.
The applause begins and the piper leads the couple away, playing the triumphant “Scotland the Brave”! You now realize that your bagpiper has just provided the soundtrack for a fantastic Celebration, and the perfect storybook ending to a beautiful day that will not be forgotten.
Of course, this is just one of many scenarios that you may find to your liking. With your unique outlook and personal touches, your wedding, will become the highlight your guests will cherish for a very long time. This is your special day!
I might continue by playing for your guests at the Reception, as they await your arrival. Once your carriage door opens, I lead you through the cheering crowd to your table. It would then be my honor to provide a Piper’s Toast, and guide you and your gathering through the Ceremony of the Quaiche.
I might also be able to suggest a few Celtic traditions that reflect your personal taste and style. My goal will be to ensure that your Special Day is exactly what you have always dreamed it would be.
Happy Hour
There are times when pre-recorded music just doesn’t feel right for the Bride that wants to have every detail covered. If that is the case, the usual pitfall is the lack of entertainment during the Happy Hour. This is where your Piper can step in and make a big difference. By mingling a bit with the crowd and getting a feel for what they would like, and then play a tune or two every ten minutes or so. No need to hire a band that always seems like an after thought. Your piper has already been seen by everyone, and this also gives them a chance to have their photo taken with him. You would be surprised how many people want a photo with a real piper. There just are not that many of us around, and even fewer that dress in full Scottish Regimental Uniform. They will all thank you later.
The Reception
The Reception is that time for the Newly-weds to let their hair down and party like they invented it. A fun time for everyone, as soon as the introductions are made. It has come to be tradition that once you enter the Reception venue, the room is run by the DJ and the food staff. The DJ plays his mix while he introduces the Wedding Party and finally the Bride and Groom…but WAIT!… What if you had a Scottish Ceremonial Piper do that instead? You have the opportunity, since your piper has already played for your Wedding, to make your entrance in Grand Fashion by having your piper (instead of The Back Street Boys) escort you and your Husband to your table to a Highland tune that won’t soon be forgotten. The piper may then perform the Celebration of the Quaiche if you so wish, or simply offer you a Piper’s Toast and make his exit, leaving you and your guests to enjoy the rest of your Special Evening.
The Quaiche Ceremony
The Celebration of the Quaiche has a bit of history to it, as well as a romantic edge. In the Ancient Days of Scotland when one Clan would go to war with another Clan, the winners had certain privileges. Among those privileges was that a victor warrior would be able to claim a Bride from the losing Clan. To seal their bond, they would take a Quaiche (Gaelic for “Loving Cup”) and first the Male would pour it full of Scotch or grape juice (you decide) and then he would hand it to his Bride with both hands, showing that he wasn’t hiding anything. (Like a blade for instance) The Bride would drink the contents and return the favor to her new Husband…showing that she had nothing to hide. (like a rolling pin…or bigger blade). He would empty the Quaiche and flip it over to kiss the bottom of it, and that is the jist of the Quaiche Ceremony. Everyone goes home alive and well, and every year on their Anniversary, they can whip out the Quaiche and do it all over again.
Jeff is more than happy to perform this Ceremony for you and your Wedding Guests provided you are bold enough to try it.
The Queen's Wake Up
Wedding Bagpiper in Ohio
After a grand ceremony that involved kilts, bagpipes, and Shetland ponies, Queen Elizabeth II officially took up residence at Balmoral, her grand estate in the Scottish Highlands each Summer. For more than 160 years the Castle Piper has played a tune on the Great Highland Pipes to wake the Queen each morning. (Starting with Queen Victoria, for whom Balmoral was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852.)
What does all of that have to do with you? Your Piper is committed to making your Wedding Day Celebration one you won’t forget. As you are the Queen (for ONE day at least!), your Piper, on request, can arrive at your house as Sun breaks over the horizon, and gently wake you to the sound of”Highland Cathedral” at your window. This is to serve as a gentle wake up call for your special day. The cool thing about it, is that it gets the rest of the neighborhood involved in your day. If they didn’t know it before…they will know it then! Oh…and it doesn’t really have to be when the Sun is coming up.
