A wedding planner at a luxury Buckinghamshire hotel has been disciplined after sending an email that described a couple as not the "type of people that we would want" to marry there.
Pauline Bailey and her fiancé Paul Carty had chosen Stoke Park in Stoke Poges for their wedding, but were left "crushed" after the email from planner Michele Connelly was mistakenly copied to them.
The email, sent to her manager Carlo Zoccali, read: "I know this probably doesn't sound very nice, but I am trying to put this wedding off as I don't think they are the type of people that we would want to have at Stoke Park."
Miss Bailey, 27, a drug and alcohol counsellor from Luton, said the comment had been devastating. She suggested it may have been prompted by Mr Carty's eyebrow piercing and earrings. Mr Carty, 51, an engineer, said he did not understand the remark, adding: "I do not class a few piercings as being too much."
The hotel apologised within 24 hours and confirmed Ms Connelly had been disciplined. A spokesman said the views expressed were "in no way a reflection" of the hotel's opinions, adding: "We are an extremely welcoming and friendly hotel and we are inclusive of everyone."
The couple have since chosen another venue for their wedding next June. Bristol-based law firm Cook & Co had been pursuing a discrimination claim on their behalf, but said the case was now on hold.
