NC photographers rally to assist brides after Holly Christina Photography instantly closes, legal professional common now investigating

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Where are my footage, and the place’s my cash? These are simply a few of the questions dozens of brides are asking after their marriage ceremony photographer, Holly Christina Photography, introduced it has ceased operations.

Holly Christina Photography posted on social media that it’s not in enterprise, however many shoppers say they nonetheless have not obtained their marriage ceremony photographs, refunds, or any direct communication from the corporate.

Bride-to-be Avary Flynn mentioned panic set within the second she discovered her photographer was shutting down.

“We’re not going to have a photographer, this is like, so stressful,” Flynn mentioned.

She signed a contract with Holly Christina Photography in September and paid a $1,900 deposit for her May 9 marriage ceremony. As months handed with no communication, she mentioned crimson flags began appearing.

“I did think it was a little weird that we were just over three months out from the wedding and I hadn’t heard one peep,” Flynn mentioned.

She’s not alone. More than 100 brides mentioned they have been affected by Holly Christina Photography. Troubleshooter Diane Wilson was first to analyze Holly Christina Photography. Earlier this month, throughout a Zoom interview, 50 brides and moms of brides mentioned they paid 1000’s of {dollars} to Holly Christina Photography, however can not get a response. Some brides mentioned communication stopped fully.

“Her phone was no longer working, so there was no way to get a hold of her,” mentioned Destiny Mantz.

Other brides mentioned missed conferences and unanswered messages left them panicked with their weddings simply weeks away.

“They did not show up to the meeting, and they have not responded to two emails, a text, and an Instagram DM. My wedding is in 60 days,” mentioned Alexis Sullivan.

Mothers of the brides are apprehensive, too.

“I’ve been blocked. I can no longer text or call the number. And she’s not communicating with anybody through email,” mentioned Dana Chavis. She did hear from the Raleigh-based firm final week, and he or she mentioned it did ship the promised engagement images.

Wilson continues to listen to from brides who’ve been affected by the closure of Holly Christina Photography.

Some of the brides who had a fall marriage ceremony photographed by Holly Christina Photography mentioned they nonetheless haven’t got their photographs and need to know when they may get what they paid for in full. Others are questioning why Holly Christina Photography took on new clients as not too long ago as this month, simply weeks earlier than it shut down.

One bride paid $7,700 in full on Jan. 10. Her mom shared emails with the Troubleshooter, together with a Dec. 29 electronic mail from Holly’s husband, Chris, confirming marriage ceremony date availability and selling a year-end sale. Another electronic mail dated Jan.12 from Holly Christina Photography confirmed cost had been obtained, and every part was “confirmed.” Days later, the corporate introduced it had ceased operations.

Many clients say repeated emails and makes an attempt to contact the corporate have gone unanswered. Holly Christina Photography first posted on its Facebook web page on Jan. 19, stating partly: “Over the past few weeks, our family has been navigating a serious and unexpected medical emergency. Holly has been hospitalized twice, which significantly disrupted communication and our ability to respond as promptly as we always strive to.” The assertion went on to say, “…all scheduled weddings have continued to be covered.” Then on Jan. 25, Holly Christina Photography posted it had ceased operations. The assertion mentioned partly, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are no longer able to continue providing photography or videography services. No new bookings are being accepted, and all business operations are in the process of being formally closed.” The assertion gave an electronic mail deal with for shoppers to contact them at, and the assertion mentioned, “Messages are being reviewed periodically. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult transition.”

On Tuesday, Holly Christina Photography posted on social media: “To affected clients: we are actively working to release photos and videos. Due to large file sizes, delivery is a staged process. We appreciate your patience.”

Some brides reported late Tuesday afternoon that they did get an electronic mail from Holly Christina Photography that acknowledged partly, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to fulfill existing contracts, and no services will be provided for future events. All business operations are in the process of being formally closed.” It went on to state, “We truly regret the impact this has on your plans and encourage you to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible.”

Photographers Step Up to Help

Amid the frustration, some native photographers are stepping in to assist brides in want. One of these photographers is Avery Wooten of Avery Wooten Photography.

“I just believe you need to do good where you can,” Wooten.

Wooten mentioned she usually donates one marriage ceremony a yr, however after listening to in regards to the Holly Christina Photography scenario, she felt compelled to do extra.

“You just can’t help but help,” she mentioned.

One of the brides she’s now aiding, freed from cost, is Skylar Rowland, whose story was featured within the Troubleshooter investigation. Rowland is getting married in September, and Wooten has agreed to shoot her marriage ceremony. Rowland solely has to pay for lodging and a second photographer if it is wanted.

“So far, we have four weddings that are official where we’re helping them out,” Wooten mentioned. “And we’ve gotten even more inquiries.”

Wilson has additionally heard from different photographers who want to assist affected brides.

What Brides Can Do Now

As for Flynn, she disputed the costs along with her financial institution and has since discovered a brand new photographer providing her a reduction and a free gallery. She’s relieved that she not less than discovered somebody to assist her doc her big day.

Experts advocate that affected shoppers:

• Immediately file a dispute with their financial institution or bank card firm
• Document all communication, contracts, and receipts

The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office confirmed that it’s now investigating and desires to listen to from clients who have been affected by Holly Christina Photography. If you consider you have been affected, you are inspired to file a criticism with the Attorney General’s Office. You can try this here.