Em Burnip is the founder of Eco Wedding Festivals and co-founder of The Véa Collection, two ventures that are redefining how we celebrate love—through sustainability, conscious choices, and community connection. With a background in accounting and years of experience as a sustainable wedding planner, Em took a bold leap into creating events and experiences that challenge the wastefulness of the wedding industry. Featured on Humans of Fuzia, her story resonates with our global community of 5 million women and allies who believe in the power of She for She and He for She. Her journey shows us that passion, when combined with purpose, can spark meaningful change and leave behind not just memories—but a legacy.
Q: Em, could you share a little about your journey and what led you to start Eco Wedding Festivals?
I used to work as a sustainable wedding planner, but before that, I spent 17 years in corporate accounting. I always knew I wanted to do something different—something that aligned with my passion for sustainability. Weddings are beautiful, but they’re also incredibly wasteful. That’s when I created Eco Wedding Festivals, an idea that had never been done before. We’re growing beyond the UK, with conversations in Colorado, Ireland, France. My mission is to green the wedding industry by empowering businesses like florists and caterers who genuinely care about sustainability and local produce.
Q: You also co-founded The Véa Collection. How does that connect to your vision?
The Véa Collection is about championing sustainable, slow honeymoons and destination weddings. We focus on places where tourism dollars directly support restoration and environmental projects. It’s all about creating experiences that give back—where couples can celebrate while also helping communities and the planet. Both ventures are closely linked, working to transform how people think about weddings and honeymoons.
Q: Networking seems central to your work. Why is it so important to you?
You really can’t run a business like this without human connection. Networking is how I find partners, how I connect with like-minded people across the globe, and how opportunities unfold. Platforms like LinkedIn have been essential, but at the heart of it, it’s about people power—joining forces with other businesses and organizations that share the same values.
Q: Tell us a bit about your team. Who supports you behind the scenes?
There are three of us. I focus on connecting with wedding professionals and using my knowledge of the industry. Kriss is the travel expert—he’s our guru for venues and travel partnerships across the world. Daniel handles the writing, blogs, and website. We each play to our strengths, and that balance keeps everything running smoothly.
Q: What are your aspirations for the future?
Personally, I’d love to be financially free and secure in my own right. Professionally, I want to shake up the wedding industry in a way that no one has done before. My dream is to make eco-friendly weddings and honeymoons not just an option, but the norm.
Q: Every journey comes with challenges. What are some you’ve faced?
Confidence has been a challenge for me—especially getting in front of the camera. Then there’s the admin, which can be overwhelming during festival planning. Thankfully, technology isn’t something I have to worry about too much because Daniel manages that side. But I’m learning every day and looking forward to getting more support as we grow.
Q: What message would you like to leave with our readers?
I always say: “Have a wedding that leaves a legacy, not a huge carbon footprint.” It’s possible to celebrate love in a way that’s memorable and meaningful—without harming our planet.
Em Burnip’s journey is a reminder that purpose-led work doesn’t just build businesses—it inspires movements. Her commitment to sustainability in one of the most wasteful industries sets an example for us all: with creativity and courage, we can celebrate life’s biggest moments while protecting the world we share.
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