Emily and Ben’s vegan woodland wedding at The Dreys at Squirrel Wood

New vegans Emily and Ben used their vegan woodland wedding to impress 90 loved ones with an exciting plant-based wedding menu.

The London pair, both 32, married at The Dreys at Squirrel Wood in Ken on July 8, 2017.

“It was important for us to get married in the woods as we both feel happiest and at ease in nature,” explains Emily. “The Dreys was the most perfect venue. A gorgeous walkway to the ceremony area opened out to a huge meadow where they have a large tent to dance in and a wooden shelter for a bar and seating area.”

The couple worked with caterer The Little Cooking Pot to craft a cross-cultural menu with influences from Mexico and Sri Lanka – a nod to their honeymoon destination.

“We were both newly vegan and wanted to show our loved ones how exciting and tasty vegan food is,” says Emily. “We came up with an incredible Sri Lankan feast, full of flavour, colour and texture. In the evening, Club Mexicana served up jackfruit burritos and tofish tacos from their bright pink food stall.”

In addition to the unique menu, guests were treated to fun! Entertainment included an aerialist performance, a glitter artist, animal face masks for the dance floor, glow-in-the-dark bracelets and glasses and, an appearance by Emily’s horse, Zac.

“The epic day ended around a campfire with sparklers and vegan marshmallows.”

Photos courtesy of Lyndsey Goddard Photography.

Emily’s beautiful gown a Naomi Neoh design and came with a customised lace jacket. Ben asked designer Naomi to sew in a personal message for Emily to find on the day: “Just Love.”

Emily and Ben’s love story was told by humanist Kate Gee, and their ceremony included planting an oak tree with their parents using soil from their family homes. The pair were legally married the day before at the register office where they happened to bump into Princess Eugenie!

Emily reflects, “We spent a long time deciding whether we might upset people by doing things differently; asking to donate to charity in lieu of gifts and only having vegan food. On the day, no one actually minds about any of these things you spend so much time worrying about. Do what is right for you as a couple.”

“My shared horse Zac came along for guests to feed carrots to,” smiles Emily.

Guests took home handmade terrariums Emily created with succulents and moss.

Not only was the aerialist entertaining – she also served drinks!

The couple met studying psychology at university and Ben later proposed on a ski trip atop a snow-capped mountain with panoramic views.

“Half the guests stayed the night at The Dreys, glamping in bell tents and shepherd’s huts, while Ben and I stayed in a private woodcutter’s cottage hidden in the woods.”