RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) – A wedding photographer that left a trail of heartbreak is now facing ongoing legal action from the state. Attorney General Jeff Jackson met with reporters to outline actions being taken against Holly Christina Photography in light of more than 200 complaints.
Jackson has won a preliminary injunction against the owners of Holly Christina Photography. Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins Jr. has ordered the company to deliver all edited and unedited photos and videos within the next 30 days to couples who paid for them and haven’t received them yet.
In addition, all assets owned by the company are now frozen and the defendants have been ordered not do business while the case continues.
“We took this company to court to get justice for brides and grooms who were left without the wedding photos and videos that they paid for,” Jackson said. “This court order is an important step in getting these couples back the memories of their wedding day. It’s also a warning to other businesses who scam consumers: if you come for North Carolinians, we’ll come for you.”
In February Jackson filed a lawsuit against Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue, and their company, Holly Christina Photography. The complaint alleges that they misled and deceived brides, engaged couples, and their families by failing to provide the photography and videography services they promised.
“I have spent hours trying to find a videographer and photographer for my upcoming wedding. This has created a financial strain because I am out of a significant amount of money for services that will not be rendered by HCP,” said Alexis Sullivan, who hired Holly Christina Photography for her wedding earlier this year.
Wedding Couples Share Their Stories
Lauren Mortell, who hired Holly Christina Photography for her wedding this month, said, “I have to spend $7,500 to hire a new photographer. Because I already paid HCP, I am unable to get a videographer. I am nervous about contracting with another company because of what I have gone through with HCP.”
Under the preliminary injunction, the owners of the company are prohibited from moving, concealing, or disposing of any of their money or any of their customers’ money without permission from the court while the lawsuit is pending. They also agreed that they will not enter into contracts, accept advance payments, advertise, or offer photography or videography services while the case is ongoing.
Since January, the Department of Justice has received 217 complaints from customers of the company alleging approximately $1 million in total financial loss. The business, which primarily sold wedding photo and video packages, failed to provide some or all of the services promised to hundreds of customers.
At least 38 clients received only sneak peeks of their photos and not their full gallery, and approximately 35 clients received only unedited photos when they had paid for editing services. At least 150 customers requested refunds on down payments, but the defendants never provided those refunds.
Additionally, the business double-booked or triple-booked clients on dozens of dates, and in many cases used backup photographers without approval from clients. They also deceptively advertised “last spot” bookings to pressure couples into buying their services.
Some clients paid an upfront deposit, at least $1,500 for most customers, and more than half of customers who complained paid the full cost upfront, an average of about $4,500.
On January 25, the company suddenly shut down, but they continued taking deposits from customers. When the business shut down, at least 29 couples were less than 90 days out from their weddings and were left scrambling to find a new photographer.
Jackson’s complaint seeks a permanent injunction, restitution for the victims, and civil penalties.