For the past two weeks, Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has been hearing from frustrated brides and mothers of brides who say Holly Christina Photography stopped responding to them after being paid, leaving many without wedding photos, videos, or refunds.
Now, Wilson has learned of one bride who says she has received some of her photos, though not everything she is owed. Kathryn Brannock hired Holly Christina Photography to capture her October 4 wedding, trusting the company's promise of full coverage from two photographers and a videographer.
"I had specifically told people that day, don't have your cameras out," Brannock said. "We were just all in the moment, which was great."
She received sneak peek photos about two weeks after her wedding and was told the rest of her images and video would arrive within 12 weeks. But when that deadline passed, Brannock reached out several times to Holly Christina Photography.
On January 8, she received an email from the company stating in part: "Thank you so much for reaching out, and I sincerely apologize for the lack of communication - I completely understand your frustration, and I appreciate your patience. Your wedding photos and video are being worked on. We are currently behind on edits due to some recent internal changes and medical circumstances, but your gallery is absolutely still in progress and has not been forgotten."
Not long after that message, Troubleshooter began hearing from brides, and to date has heard from more than 100 brides who said they were affected by Holly Christina Photography.
Many customers say repeated emails and attempts to contact the company have gone unanswered. Holly Christina Photography first posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 19, stating in part: "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 statement 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 statement said in part, "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 statement gave an email address for clients to contact them at, and the statement said, "Messages are being reviewed periodically. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult transition."
On Tuesday, the 27th, 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."
Since then, many brides have told Troubleshooter they still have not received:
- Wedding photos
- Wedding video
- Refunds for services paid in full and/or for services not yet provided
Despite repeated attempts, ABC11 has not received a response directly from Holly Christina Photography.
When it comes to Brannock, she says, she continued emailing the company and eventually received another message stating that, as part of closing the business, Holly Christina Photography was providing available raw photo and/or video files. She was sent a download link to her photos, but says they are unedited and difficult to access.
"They're all raw. There's not a single edit," Brannock said. "We still haven't been able to even download the pictures. We can see them, but every time we try, there's something going on. It's very frustrating."
She says the files appear too large to download easily, but adds she's grateful to have something, especially since she feared losing irreplaceable family moments.
"I didn't have any family pictures in the sneak peeks. I didn't have anything with like my last grandparent. Like, I was terrified that we had lost all that," Brannock adds.
Additional developments
Troubleshooter has also learned that Christopher Owen Ayscue, Holly Christina Scott's husband, who shares an address with the company and listed himself as the business's CEO and owner on Facebook, was arrested and charged with assault on a female and domestic violence. According to court records, Ayscue has been offered a diversion program and must comply with court-ordered conditions for 12 months, including that he not assault, threaten, or harass Holly Christina Scott. His attorney says he cannot comment while matters are pending.
Investigation continues
The North Carolina Attorney General's Office confirms it is still investigating Holly Christina Photography and says it has now received 89 complaints.
Brannock says she's still hoping to receive her wedding video, which the company claims is still being uploaded. Troubleshooter has not heard from any other brides who say they've received their photos or videos.