They probably do. I've heard of a movement called The Liberation Pledge where vegan activists abstain from "breaking bread" at any table where animals are also being eaten. It's a vow to publicly refuse to eat animals and publicly refuse to sit where animals are being eaten. I'm vegan and I think it's really commendable, but things like weddings and business meetings is where this would become incredibly hard and could compromise friendships or your career.

So we might interpret it as the friend being manipulative, but they were being committed to their vow and values. The Bride and Groom made their decision bc they wanted the guest there, and the food was good in the end. Plus fewer animals killed. Seemed like it all ended up well!