NC Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Wedding Photographer For Fraud

Attorney General Jeff Jackson brought charges Tuesday against Holly Christina Photography. The lawsuit claims the business swindled 166 couples out of roughly $750,000. Holly Christina Scott Ayscue and Christopher Owen Ayscue face accusations in Wake County court.

Complaints poured into the Department of Justice starting in late January. Ninety-two clients demanded refunds on deposits for upcoming weddings. None received their money back, state officials said.

"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 the release, according to the News&Observer. "Even before they shut down, they were deceiving customers to maximize their own profit."

Thirty-eight clients got preview images but nothing more. They never saw the complete gallery of photos and videos they'd purchased. Another 35 received raw photographs and videos. The editing they'd bought was never delivered.

The Franklin County business launched in July 2019. It registered as an LLC in February 2025. Holly Christina Photography closed shop on Jan. 25, yet kept accepting deposits from clients through early January.

Services cost customers anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Over half paid the full amount up front to snag a 10% discount.

The business double-booked or triple-booked weddings on at least 60 dates. Two separate dates scheduled five weddings each. Court papers detail the mess.

Twenty-four couples had weddings scheduled within 90 days after the business collapsed. Some events received different photographers and videographers than contracted for without asking permission first.

Problems started showing up in December. Brides contacted the owners about delayed photos and videos but got silence in return. Broken links to raw images arrived for some customers in January and February.

State officials contacted the Ayscues four times after complaints rolled in. The couple replied on Feb. 5, saying they were reviewing complaints and speaking with lawyers. That was the last anyone heard from them.

Christopher Ayscue pleaded guilty on Jan. 30 to pushing his wife in Wake Forest on Oct. 21. District Court Judge Margaret Eagles sentenced him to supervised probation for one year.

Jackson wants a preliminary injunction, a permanent injunction, money returned to victims, and civil penalties.