For Elizabeth and Molly, a fateful match on Hinge between classes at Harvard and MIT developed into a once-in-a-lifetime connection. “We fell in love very quickly; it was just the right connection,” Elizabeth recalls. Two years later, Molly knew it was time to propose. So she staged a magical surprise proposal for Elizabeth after a normal day at work, transforming her apartment into a romantic picture, decorated with candles and flowers.

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Elizabeth’s passion for veganism and her work in animal rights rubbed off on Molly and helped her embark on her own vegan journey shortly after they met. And even before they got engaged, they decided to throw a vegan celebration that reflected their values.

“It was important to us that our wedding day was joyful and free of suffering,” Elizabeth said.

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The search for a venue led them to the team at The Barn at Tanque Verde Ranch, who were excited to create a dream day for the couple. Choosing Tucson as their wedding location symbolized the beginning of a new chapter together, far away from their respective hometowns in Colorado and New England.

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All 75 guests flew in for the celebration and were greeted with a stunning wall of champagne as they entered the venue. They exchanged vows under the scorching desert sun while Elizabeth’s mother, an ordained minister, officiated the ceremony.

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Jack, the couple’s beloved Goldendoodle, wore a tuxedo for his ring bearer duties.

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As the sun set over the mountains of Saguaro National Park, Elizabeth and Molly mingled with their guests, who sipped signature cocktails (like Prickly Pear Margaritas and Tanque Verde Mules), nibbled on the appetizers passed around, played cornhole, and admired the pack of pig-like javelinas that happened to show up to enhance their picture-perfect day.

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The facility

The deep orange and dark green hues exuded autumnal charm and complemented the desert landscape, adding a beautiful touch of sophistication to the barn wedding.

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The look

Elizabeth walked down the aisle in her grandmother’s wedding dress, a timeless piece that her mother also wore in 1991. Molly exuded elegance in a lace jumpsuit that was entirely handmade by her mother.

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The music

The couple walked down the aisle to the traditional string hymn “Canon in D.” Afterwards, Molly’s brother-in-law sweetly serenaded the couple with an original arrangement of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”

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Personal touch

Cactus-decorated tote bags sat on the chairs, packed with the couple’s favorite vegan treats, like Unreal Peanut Butter Cups, Clif granola bars, and even dog treats—all accompanied by a heartfelt personalized note. They forwent a conventional gift registry and opted for a more meaningful approach by inviting guests to donate to nonprofits that work to help the environment and animals.

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Tips for the big day

“Being vegan is something to be proud of, and people only come to your wedding because they care about you. It’s OK to ask them to live in the world you live in for a few days. And we’ve found that they actually enjoy doing that,” Molly said.

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The menu

Served appetizers

Grilled vegetable crostini with basil pesto
Buffalo Chicken Bites on homemade crackers and cream cheese
Vegetable spring rolls with chili garlic sauce
Puff pastry pockets filled with herb and mushroom duxelles

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Starters

Butternut squash green chilli bisque with garden herb focaccia and vegan butter
Braised cauliflower steaks with chimichurri, olive oil mashed potatoes and balsamic roasted tomatoes
Meatloaf with southwestern spices, chipotle barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes

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Dessert

Vegan donuts from Yo! Donut from Arizona in pumpkin spice, cinnamon sugar and chocolate flavors

Late evening snacks

Popcorn bar
Chip station with various vegan dips and toppings

Aruka Sanchir (@ruukes) is senior digital editor at VegNews.