NC wedding photographer sued after 166 complaints, nearly $750k in losses

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit against two wedding photographers and their company, alleging they misled and defrauded dozens of engaged couples across the state.

Jackson announced Tuesday that his office is suing Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue and their business, Holly Christina Photography. Since January, the N.C. Department of Justice has received 166 complaints from customers alleging about $750,000 in total financial 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 said in a statement. “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 complaint, Holly Christina Photography sold photo and video packages to wedding clients, often requiring a 50% upfront deposit, at least $1,500 for most customers. More than half of the complaining customers paid the full cost upfront, averaging more than $5,000, in exchange for a 10% discount.

The lawsuit alleges the company either failed to provide all promised services or did no work at all. The defendants shut down abruptly on Jan. 25 but continued to solicit and accept deposits through early January.

Of the 166 complaints filed with the Department of Justice:

• At least 92 clients requested refunds on down payments for future weddings but have not received them.

• At least 38 clients received only a “sneak peek” of their photos and are still waiting for their full galleries and videos.

• At least 35 clients received only raw photos and video footage without the editing included in their contracts.

The complaint also alleges the defendants double- or triple-booked weddings on at least 60 dates in different parts of the state and, in some cases, the country. Two separate dates allegedly had five weddings scheduled. In some instances, backup photographers were sent without client approval.

The state also alleges the company pressured couples to book services by advertising that only one “last spot” was available. At least 76 complainants told investigators they felt rushed to secure what they were told was the final available date.

In one case outlined in the complaint, Carolina Roach hired the company in September 2024 for her September 2025 wedding, paying more than $6,000 in two installments. On her wedding day, different photographers and videographers showed up without prior notice. She and her husband received 156 preview photos in October but have not received the remainder of their package.

In another case, Alexis Sullivan hired the company in March 2025 for her March 2026 wedding, paying $7,656.90 upfront for a package that included wedding and rehearsal coverage, as well as a bridal portrait session. On the day of her portraits, a relative of Holly Ayscue reportedly took the photos instead. Sullivan later received only raw image files and an email stating the company had ceased operations. She has not received edited photos or a refund and is now searching for a new photographer ahead of her wedding.

The complaint also alleges at least 24 couples had weddings scheduled within 90 days of the company’s closure and were left scrambling to secure new photographers without assistance or refunds.

Jackson is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction, restitution for affected customers and civil penalties.