Man at centre of mother-in-law email storm runs firm that plans weddings

After his stepmother’s email on manners went viral, Freddie Bourne revealed to have surprising new line in business Given Carolyn Bourne’s stinging criticism of her stepson Freddie’s forthcoming wedding, it is questionable whether she believes he is the right person to help organise other people’s nuptials. So she may be surprised to learn that the entrepreneur, 29, is involved in a company specialising in just that. Mrs Bourne, for the few who have not heard of her, shot to prominence after an email she sent to Freddie’s fiance, Heidi Withers – criticising her “lack of manners” and the couple’s plans for their big day – went viral. Overnight Mrs Bourne was transformed into “the mother-in-law from hell” or, as the US press named her, “Momzilla”. But her criticisms now appear to have been given added piquancy given Freddie Bourne’s new business venture. The Observer can disclose that last month Bourne and two twentysomething friends, Alexander Bayliss and Anthony Teale, established Mise-en-Bouche Ltd, a catering and events company in which they are the sole shareholders and which, according to its website, can supply the “wedding of your dreams”. The revelation has raised intriguing questions about whether the online row was orchestrated as a PR stunt, a claim denied by those involved. Whether Bourne, who is to marry Withers in the autumn at sumptuous Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire in a reported £18,000 ceremony, will avail himself of the company’s services remains to be seen. “Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life,” gushes the website, which was set up before Freddie became involved with the business. “And for that reason, everything has to be perfect… very few companies can offer the quality service that we do.” The website’s promise that it can provide the “perfect bespoke event” is unlikely to reassure Mrs Bourne, who fumed in her email: “No one gets married in a castle unless they own it. It is brash, celebrity-style behaviour.” Her scepticism about her stepson’s choice of wedding location is hardly a ringing endorsement for one of the main services provided by the company, which, according to its website, can offer “a long list of different venues suitable for all styles of party in and around London. Whether it be a cocktail party with canapés, a barbecue in the garden, a full sit-down dinner, or the wedding of your dreams, the list of possibilities is endless!” And the company’s ability to supply lavish nibbles such as “mini steak frites topped with green peppercorn butter” and “lemongrass and ginger chicken skewer with a ponzu dipping sauce” is also likely to receive short shrift from Mrs Bourne, who told Withers: “I understand your parents are unable to contribute very much towards the cost of

Posted by on July 2, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.