NC marriage ceremony photographer sued after 166 complaints, practically $750k in losses

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit in opposition to two marriage ceremony photographers and their firm, alleging they misled and defrauded dozens of engaged {couples} throughout the state.

Jackson introduced Tuesday that his workplace is suing Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue and their enterprise, Holly Christina Photography. Since January, the N.C. Department of Justice has obtained 166 complaints from clients alleging about $750,000 in complete monetary losses.

“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,” Jackson stated in a press release. “Even before they shut down, they were deceiving customers to maximize their own profit. We’re taking them to court to get justice for these brides and grooms.”

According to the grievance, Holly Christina Photography bought photograph and video packages to marriage ceremony purchasers, usually requiring a 50% upfront deposit, a minimum of $1,500 for many clients. More than half of the complaining clients paid the complete price upfront, averaging greater than $5,000, in trade for a ten% low cost.

The lawsuit alleges the corporate both failed to supply all promised companies or did no work in any respect. The defendants shut down abruptly on Jan. 25 however continued to solicit and settle for deposits by early January.

Of the 166 complaints filed with the Department of Justice:

• At least 92 purchasers requested refunds on down funds for future weddings however haven’t obtained them.

• At least 38 purchasers obtained solely a “sneak peek” of their images and are nonetheless ready for his or her full galleries and movies.

• At least 35 purchasers obtained solely uncooked images and video footage with out the enhancing included of their contracts.

The grievance additionally alleges the defendants double- or triple-booked weddings on a minimum of 60 dates in several components of the state and, in some instances, the nation. Two separate dates allegedly had 5 weddings scheduled. In some situations, backup photographers have been despatched with out consumer approval.

The state additionally alleges the corporate pressured {couples} to e book companies by promoting that just one “last spot” was accessible. At least 76 complainants instructed investigators they felt rushed to safe what they have been instructed was the ultimate accessible date.

In one case outlined within the grievance, Carolina Roach employed the corporate in September 2024 for her September 2025 marriage ceremony, paying greater than $6,000 in two installments. On her marriage ceremony day, completely different photographers and videographers confirmed up with out prior discover. She and her husband obtained 156 preview images in October however haven’t obtained the rest of their package deal.

In one other case, Alexis Sullivan employed the corporate in March 2025 for her March 2026 marriage ceremony, paying $7,656.90 upfront for a package deal that included marriage ceremony and rehearsal protection, in addition to a bridal portrait session. On the day of her portraits, a relative of Holly Ayscue reportedly took the images as an alternative. Sullivan later obtained solely uncooked picture recordsdata and an electronic mail stating the corporate had ceased operations. She has not obtained edited images or a refund and is now looking for a brand new photographer forward of her marriage ceremony.

The grievance additionally alleges a minimum of 24 {couples} had weddings scheduled inside 90 days of the corporate’s closure and have been left scrambling to safe new photographers with out help or refunds.

Jackson is searching for a preliminary and everlasting injunction, restitution for affected clients and civil penalties.