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A Bohemian Scottish Wedding Channeling a ‘70s Laurel Canyon Living Room

October 15, 2025 | justine

Jess and Rob’s bohemian Scottish wedding looked like something out of a 1970s dream. Mismatched vintage furniture, rich earthy tones, and a relaxed, living-room atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal affair. Inspired by the free-spirited energy of Laurel Canyon, they set out to create a celebration that felt nostalgic, handmade, and beautifully imperfect.

It was a vision rooted in who they are as a couple. The two Scots first met in the French Alps during the 2016  ski season. He was training to be an instructor, she was on a gap year. And what began as a fleeting winter romance slowly became something lasting. Years of traveling between France and Scotland eventually gave way to a more grounded life together, and after attending a friend’s wedding, they realized they wanted to host a party of their own. One filled with music, warmth, and personality.

What We Love About This Bohemian Scottish Wedding

  • A ’70s-inspired color palette of mustard, camel, brown, and burgundy
  • DIY florals and mismatched vintage furniture for that lived-in, Laurel Canyon feel
  • Pressed-flower bolo ties made by the bride’s dad
  • Two vintage wedding dresses
  • A handfasting ceremony inspired by Scottish and Welsh traditions

Featured Vendor:

Caro Weiss Photography

Turning Vintage Inspiration Into a Modern-Day Celebration

Jess and Rob’s vision was crystal clear: a bohemian Scottish wedding that looked like you’d stepped into a 1970s Laurel Canyon living room. “We wanted the decor and furniture to feel cobbled together and mismatched, rather than polished and precise,” Jess said. They pulled inspiration from ’60s and ’70s patterns, Pinterest boards, and weddings like Mimi Fariña’s in the ’60s—filled with Persian rugs, wooden furniture, and faded charm.

They didn’t hire a planner but found their dream coordinator in Gemma Lavender of Lavender Blue. “She took so much of the admin and logistics off our shoulders,” Jess shared. “It let us focus on making things look pretty!” From sourcing vintage doilies and lampshades to DIY macramé candle lanterns, Jess and her family poured months of love into every corner.

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Building a Team That Shared Their Creative Vision

Gemma also helped them find vendors who fit the easygoing energy they wanted. Food and photography topped the couple’s priority list. As vegetarians, Jess and Rob wanted a menu that would excite every guest despite any dietary restrictions. “Platter and Pop’s sample menu was the most interesting and delicious sounding by far,” they said. “Lauren and her team were so kind and flexible with every catering query.”

Photography was equally essential. “It sounds morbid, but we knew the photographs would be all we’d have left someday.” Junebug vendor Caro Weiss Photography was the perfect fit, capturing the laughter, chaos, and joy of the day in Caro’s signature candid style. “She’s unbelievably talented at being exactly the presence you need behind the camera at any moment,” Jess said.

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A Ceremony That Wove Together Scottish and Welsh Traditions

The ceremony setup was simple but full of character. A wooden fireplace stood as the backdrop, surrounded by baskets and crates of wildflowers in soft, earthy tones. Layered rugs and mismatched chairs completed the cozy, lived-in look that tied perfectly into their bohemian Scottish wedding theme.

Because the legal ceremony took place earlier that week, the pair could design a deeply personal symbolic one. A close family friend, Struan Leslie, officiated with theatrical grace, while Jess’s siblings sang Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” as she walked down the aisle. It was an emotional moment that turned into a spontaneous group sing-along.

In one of the most memorable parts of their bohemian Scottish wedding, guests brought strips of fabric to “tie the knot,” inspired by Scotland’s clootie wells. The strips were tied around a Welsh lovespoon, symbolizing their unity. “We plan to frame our knot and display it in our home,” Jess shared.

Bringing Personality Into Every Fashion Detail

The couple’s fashion choices were a love letter to the ’70s. Rob traded tradition for a sandy-colored linen suit from Twisted Tailor, paired with bolo ties crafted by Jess’s dad using pressed-flower slides—a creative, personal touch that replaced boutonnieres.

Jess found her wedding dress on Vinted for under £500—a pristine 1974 piece once sold at a now-closed Welsh department store. “The seller even sent me photos of her mum wearing it at her own wedding,” Jess recalled. For dancing, she swapped into a chic STAUD dress from Net-A-Porter. Even her shoes and accessories came secondhand, staying true to her sustainable mindset.

Her friend and neighbor Kelly Neilson created “bohemian and undone” hairstyles using eyelash glue to keep the flowers in place, while makeup artist Heather Snowie perfected a natural glow with subtle ’70s flair. Bridesmaids chose their own dresses in coordinating tones for a cohesive yet individual look.

A Vintage-Inspired Party That Felt Like a Living Room

The celebration continued at The Cow Shed, a venue that instantly felt right. “Seeing it set up for another couple’s wedding that day and feeling the excitement was so infectious,” Jess said. Its rustic charm and blank-canvas layout made it perfect for their eclectic decor.

Jess sourced mismatched chairs and crockery from Prop Hire Scotland and Green Cockatoo, creating a lived-in aesthetic that felt intimate and real. “It looked as though everyone had brought along their own chair from home,” she said.

DIY touches ran deep: handmade tulle runners adorned with vintage doilies, curtains from Vinted, a freestanding fireplace built by Rob’s dad, and a photo wall honoring past family weddings. “Our guests kept saying, ‘My granny had those curtains!’ which was exactly the vibe we wanted.”

After heartfelt speeches, a trad band had everyone ceilidh-dancing by 3 p.m., fueled by spritz cocktails served from Kilner jars. The night ended with custom Rude Cookies heart-shaped cakes—lemon sponge with pistachio buttercream and raspberry jam. “They didn’t just look amazing, they were the best cakes we’ve ever eaten in our lives.”

What They Learned About Staying True to Their Vision

When asked for advice, Jess and Rob emphasized staying true to what matters most. “Ensure things are exactly how you want them, and don’t be scared to stand your ground,” they shared. “Everyone’s idea of how a wedding should look or feel will differ, but this is your day. If it matters to you both, find a way to make it happen.”

And as for their biggest takeaway? “There’s no other time in your life where everyone you love is together for a weekend in the same place to party like that,” Jess said. “Enjoy every second.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Caro Weiss
Event Planning – Gemma Lavender
Venue – The Cow Shed at Crail
Floral Design – Simply Pottering
Catering – Platter and Pop + No Pineapple Pizza Project
Cake – Rude Cookies
Officiant – Struan Leslie
Live Music – Citrus
Invitation Design – Conor McBay Graphic Design
Makeup Artist – Heather Snowie
Hair Styling – Kelly Neilson
Groom’s Apparel – Twisted Tailor
Rentals – Green Cockatoo + Prop Hire Scotland
Favors – Alzheimer’s Research UK

 

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A Modern Joshua Tree Wedding Born From a Desert Proposal

October 13, 2025 | justine

When Sophia and Hanting first began planning their big day, they knew there was only one place that could hold the weight of their story—Joshua Tree. After all, it was here, among wind-swept boulders and endless skies, that Hanting had proposed. Returning for their wedding felt like coming full circle, transforming the very landscape of their engagement into the backdrop of their vows.

The couple first discovered Junebug vendor Manna Sun Events while browsing past weddings and reviews. They were drawn to the team’s sensitivity to materials, attention to detail, and calm professionalism, which quickly built a foundation of trust. For Sophia and Hanting, it was important to work with someone who could turn their individuality into an atmosphere and a story, not just decor.

Their planner recalls that their priority was to let guests “feel the poetry of the desert—its shifting winds, changing light, and subtle temperature.” Instead of transforming the environment, the couple wanted to honor it, creating a celebration that was equal parts intimate, soulful, and rooted in place.

What We Love About This Joshua Tree Wedding

  • A color palette inspired by desert earth tones: terracotta, honey, sage, and sand
  • Handmade woven rattan cacti that doubled as forever keepsakes
  • A cactus-shaped seating chart set in real sand
  • A unity ritual where guests layered colorful grains into a communal artwork
  • Evening poolside glow globes that echoed the desert stars

Featured Vendor:

 Manna Sun Events

Trust, Preparation, and Flexibility in a Joshua Tree Wedding

Sophia and Hanting’s busy schedules meant they placed complete trust in their planner and vendor team. Rather than dictating every choice, they focused on the feelings they wanted the day to capture. That freedom allowed the team to layer in thoughtful details. Menus chosen for texture, florals that moved with the wind, and linens that caught the changing light. Each vendor added their own artistry, from desert-inspired florals and photography that embraced fleeting light to a minimalist cake accented with grapes and florals, plus rentals, music, and graphics that shaped the overall flow.

Of course, hosting a wedding in the desert brought its challenges. High winds, shifting temperatures, and dryness required careful planning. Structures were reinforced, drought-tolerant plants and dried florals were used for resilience, signage was stabilized with stones, and blankets and heaters were provided for comfort. The planner’s advice for other couples is clear: preparation matters, but so does flexibility. “Nature will always have the last word,” they explained. “If you embrace it, even the unpredictable moments become part of the story.”

A Ceremony That Let the Landscape Lead

The ceremony was designed to highlight Joshua Tree’s raw beauty. Chairs were placed with space between them so wind and light could move naturally. Native florals and grass were styled among rocks and sand to look as though they belonged there. Since large cacti weren’t available locally, the team collaborated with the florist to create woven rattan versions that flanked the altar (which later became keepsakes for the couple.)

Guests also participated in a sand-pouring ritual. The planner noted how meaningful it was to see everyone layer colors symbolizing happiness, loyalty, tolerance, and joy, becoming a tangible reminder for the couple.

Wedding Fashion Inspired by the Desert

Sophia wore four incredible dresses throughout her Joshua Tree wedding.The ceremony gown featured a dramatic lace train and a simple veil, paired with a bouquet of dried botanicals that reflected the desert’s textures. Sophia’s bridesmaids also sported sleek, minimal, white looks to compliment the bride and the environment. Hanting’s classic black suit provided a sharp contrast against the soft, earthy palette around them.

For the reception, both the bride and groom changed into different outfits. Sophia chose a sparkly, corset gown while Hanting opted for a more casual, muted sage green suit. 

Manna Sun Events shared that their portraits at golden hour captured the essence of the day: “Hand in hand across the sand, they seemed to be standing at the center of the universe.”

Details That Brought the Desert Into the Celebration

The reception was staged beside the pool, where striped linens, rattan chairs, and ceramic details tied into the desert color palette. “We wanted the design to feel like it belonged here,” the planner said, noting how details like woven fibers, stone, and glass reflected the desert setting.

One of the standout details, according to them, was the cactus-shaped seating chart nestled in real sand. It turned the simple task of finding a seat into a small experience.

As night fell, glowing orbs drifted across the pool like stars, while candlelight added warmth. The cake captured what the planner described as refined minimalism: simple in shape, rich in detail.

Dinner flowed into portraits, and when the couple returned, the desert had shifted into a candlelit party. Manna Sun Events described it as “a rhythm between people and place. Every change in light transformed the atmosphere.”

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Nature’s Role in Their Joshua Tree Wedding

Two moments stood out. During dinner, when Hanting’s ring slipped, guests lit the desert with their phone flashlights. A small crisis that quickly turned into a moment of support. Later, once the reception ended, the rain finally came. Its timing felt more like closure than disruption, as though the desert had held off until the celebration was complete.

As Manna Sun Events reflected, weddings in places like Joshua Tree are powerful because “it’s an opportunity to collaborate with nature itself. Wind, light, rock, and sky aren’t props. They’re part of the celebration.”

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Sunset Dream Studio + Clic Studio
Event Planning + Design – Manna Sun Events
Venue – Le Chacuel
Floral Design – Mandy’s Garden Floral Design
Catering – Chef Ali Cengiz
Cake – Mint Cake Studio
DJ – X2 Event Productions
String Quartet – Blitz Nation + Second Song
Graphic Design – Inkity Studio
Makeup + Hair Styling – FQ Makeup Artistry
Rentals – Signature Party Rentals
Welcome Board – Back Up Productions

 

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A Guadalajara Wedding With an Al Fresco Dinner to Remember

October 11, 2025 | justine

Love stories sometimes unfold when the timing finally feels right. For Karla and Carlos, that moment came at a friend’s party. “We ended up being the last ones to leave because we were so caught up in conversation,” they recalled. The very next day they went out for breakfast, spent the whole day together, and instantly knew their connection was something special. Years later, that same sense of natural chemistry guided their vision for a celebration that felt effortless, intimate, and filled with intention. Their Guadalajara wedding was designed like one long dinner with friends.

What We Love About This Guadalajara Wedding

  • A single long dinner table styled with candles and neutral tones
  • An orchestra and choir filling the ceremony with emotion
  • A cocktail hour featuring a flamenco band and spritz bar
  • A magnolia bouquet that became a statement piece of bridal style
  • A dinner playlist curated by the couple with Afro-tech favorites

How They Made Their Guadalajara Wedding Personal

From the start, Karla and Carlos dreamed of a day that would reflect who they are at heart. Their Guadalajara wedding leaned into neutral colors layered with candlelight to set a cozy yet sophisticated tone. “The idea was for it to feel like an intimate dinner with friends, which is why we chose to have just one long table,” Karla explained.

They worked closely with their planner, who helped bring their vision to life without overshadowing their style. Vendors came through Instagram searches and planner recommendations, but what mattered most was finding people who “embraced my vision, supported my ideas, and helped turn them into reality, not by imposing their own style.”

Featured Vendor:

Isabel Quijano

Adding Meaning To Their Ceremony Through Music 

The ceremony was held in a church where the couple kept their “first look” moment sacred. “Walking into the church, seeing him waiting at the altar, and catching the look on his face was one of the most unforgettable moments of the day,” Karla shared.

What made the service especially powerful was the orchestra and choir. “Their music filled the church with emotion, giving us goosebumps from beginning to end,” the couple recalled. They also exchanged vows privately earlier in the day, making the ceremony feel both grand and deeply personal.

Elegant, Refined Fashion for Their Guadalajara Wedding

Karla and Carlos embraced a look that was classic and refined from head to toe. Carlos chose a sharp black tuxedo with a bow tie, keeping his style traditional and polished. Karla wore a strapless gown with intricate embroidery and a flowing train, striking the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. She completed her look with sheer floral applique opera gloves, soft sapphire earrings, a simple veil, and sleek hair that let her magnolia bouquet shine as the ultimate statement piece. 

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Making the Most of Their Venue’s Natural Beauty

Their venue’s stunning trees and landscapes became a central part of the celebration. Instead of covering it up, Karla and Carlos enhanced the setting with thoughtful lighting, choosing decor that felt minimal and organic. “The decision to keep the decor minimal, allowing nature itself to shine, reflected our personalities perfectly,” Karla explained.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a vibrant cocktail hour with a flamenco band, a spritz bar to cool off in the summer heat, and a spread of cheeses and charcuterie. The atmosphere was relaxed and celebratory, giving the couple time to mingle with loved ones.

 

Dinner, Dancing, and Details That Stood Out

Dinner was one of the couple’s favorite parts of the night, made unforgettable by the stunning setup. A single serpentine banquet table stretched beneath towering trees, lined with soft neutral linens, earthy-toned florals, and clusters of glowing pillar candles that bathed the space in warm light. To make it even more personal, Karla and Carlos curated the dinner playlist themselves, filling it with Afro-tech songs they loved. “Our goal was for dinner to feel like a shared meal among friends. Warm, relaxed, and effortless.” 

Later, the celebration shifted to the dance floor, which stayed packed from beginning to end. “The sight of the dance floor full all night long, with everyone smiling and dancing, is one of the most treasured memories.” 

Tips for Balancing Vision and Budget on Your Big Day

Like many couples, Karla and Carlos faced challenges balancing their vision with their budget. They chose to prioritize food, music, and photography, investing in elements that would shape the guest experience.

The weather was their biggest worry, but even when little details went differently than planned, they embraced it as part of the story. “Honestly, for me everything was perfect, even the little things that didn’t go exactly as planned,” Karla said.

Her advice to other couples: “Enjoy every moment, because it goes by so fast. Don’t let anything distract you from that. Always remember that the heart of it all is the family you’re building together; everything else is secondary.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – Isabel Quijano
Event Planning – Daniela Navarro
Ceremony Venue – Parroquia San Juan Macías
Reception Venue – La Florida
Floral Design – Fraisa Cristiano
Catering – I Latina
DJ – Alonso Jiménez
Live Music – Fuente y Caudal
Makeup Artist – Brides by Monique
Hair Styling – Lucy Sanchez
Rings – Elisa Fine Jewelry

 

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