The North Carolina Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Holly Christina Photography, accusing the company of defrauding brides and engaged couples and leaving them without refunds or wedding photos.

According to a report by ABC11, Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit against Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue, and their company, Holly Christina Photography.

The Department of Justice says it has received 166 complaints since January, totaling more than $750,000 in financial losses.

Brides and their families describe being left without photographers, refunds, or the memories they had paid to preserve. In response, the company announced on social media that it had ceased operations and sent some customers an email confirming the closure.

Breakdown of Customer Impact

Attorney General Jackson emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that “this photographer left engaged couples and newlyweds stranded without a wedding photographer, without refunds, and without memories from one of the most important days of their lives.” 

The lawsuit seeks to prevent Holly Christina Photography from providing wedding services in the future, citing a pattern of deceptive business practices.

ABC11 reports that among the complaints filed with the NC Department of Justice, at least 92 clients requested refunds for future bookings but have not received them. Meanwhile, at least 38 clients received only sneak peeks of their photos and are still waiting for full galleries and videos. There were also 35 clients who received raw images or videos without the editing services they paid for.

Court documents also reveal that Holly Christina Photography double- or triple-booked weddings on at least 60 dates across the state, sometimes scheduling five weddings on a single day. In some cases, clients were assigned backup photographers without prior approval. 

Many brides reported feeling pressured to secure the “last available spot,” with at least 76 complaints mentioning this tactic.

Wedding Photography Scams

This case is not an isolated incident. 

Across the United States, wedding photographers have been investigated for taking deposits without delivering promised services. 

In 2011, a photographer in California faced similar accusations for disappearing after collecting thousands of dollars from multiple clients, leaving couples scrambling to hire replacements at short notice. 

In Tennessee, more than 130 complaints were filed against a photographer after clients from multiple states said they paid for portrait and event shoots but never received their photos. 

For couples planning weddings, this case serves as a cautionary reminder to research photographers thoroughly and understand the terms of service. Legal action is underway to ensure that those affected by Holly Christina Photography receive compensation and that such practices are prevented in the future.