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.”