Holy Shit you do Business Like this Today, Reminds me of the way Georgie runs a Country

Something borrowed - and a blue

By Luke McIlveen
November 21, 2006 12:00am

THEY asked for a simple quote on the cost of a wedding marquee - but lovebirds Steve Hausman and Paula Brosnahan got a vicious email from the hire company describing their planned nuptials as "cheap, nasty and tacky".

In yet another warning of the power and pitfalls of email, the New Zealand couple's war with an abusive wedding planner has been flashed around the world.

The saga began on November 15, when Mr Hausman emailed Klaus Jorgensen, owner of The Great Marquee Company in Auckland, telling him he would not be required for the wedding next April.

"Paula and I went and viewed your marquee set-up at Devonport the other weekend and unfortunately we did not like it," he wrote.

"So this is just to let you know we will not require your services on 7 April 2007.

"Thanks for your assistance and we are sorry that it turned out this way, although we are glad we looked at the marquee prior to booking as that would have been a huge disappointment."

While Mr Hausman's email was undoubtedly blunt, he did not count on the savage reply from the company's office manager Katrina Jorgensen, who is also the owner's wife.

"Hi Steve, Thanks for your reply. Your wedding sounded cheap, nasty and tacky anyway, so we only ever considered you time wasters. Our marquees are for upper class clients which unfortunately you are not.

"Why don't you stay within your class level and buy something from payless plastics instead. Kindest Regards, Katrina."

Clearly shocked, Mr Hausman then emailed his fiancee Ms Brosnahan, who forwarded the exchange to friends.

The company has since been besieged by abusive emails from around the world, forcing the owner to post a statement on his website.

The fierce backlash has led Mr Jorgensen to sack his own wife.

"We have apologised to the customer concerned and this staff member's contract has been terminated and processes have been put in place to ensure it won't happen again," Mr Jorgensen said.

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