Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has now heard from more than 60 brides who say they've paid Holly Christina Photography a combined total of more than $300,000. Many say they're still waiting for photos, videos, or confirmation that the photographer will even show up on their wedding day.
"We're getting married. This is supposed to be a happy time." Instead, bride-to-be Amanda Daughtry says the experience has been the opposite. "This is not fair to people and people do not need to lose this much money. And I'm upset. I'm mad and I want people to get their money back."
Daughtry is a familiar voice in the Triangle as the award-winning co-host of the Q Morning Crew on 94.7. She and her fiancé are getting married in August and hired Holly Christina Photography.
"Luckily, I only paid $1,300 down because she wanted half. And I said, No, I'm not doing half."
Daughtry says everything seemed fine until last week, when another bride contacted her, saying the company had ghosted her. After Daughtry shared her concerns on the radio, she says the calls started pouring in.
"I've heard from so many brides that have said that she didn't show up, and she would just send other subcontracted photographers, and they would be like, Where are you? And she was like, I had a family emergency."
Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has since spoken with many of those brides. On Monday, more than thirty brides and mothers of brides joined a group Zoom call to share their frustrations. Bride Shannon Rogers said after her wedding, she did get sneak peeks of her wedding with her and her husband, but there wasn't a single family picture.
Some say they didn't receive all the photographs or video they paid for. Others, like the mother of the bride, Dana Chavis, worry the photographer won't show up for the contracted wedding date. "I've been blocked. I can't even text the number or call the number anymore. And she's not communicating with the with anybody through email." Chavis did get her daughter's engagement photo's last week.
Wilson called, emailed, and texted Holly Christina Photography but did not receive a response. After Monday's story aired, the company posted a statement on its Facebook page:
In October, Holly's husband, Christopher Owen Ayscue, who shares an address with the company and is listed as the company's CEO and owner on his Facebook page, was arrested and charged with assault on a female and domestic violence. Wilson reached out to him for comment, but has not heard back. He has a court date on the charges later this month.
As for Daughtry, she says she's not taking any chances. "I'm not risking it. I moved on." She sent a message to Holly Christina Photography canceling her contract for her August wedding. "I had to fork out another deposit to retain another photographer, and I'm devastated about it. But we got a roll on."
Daughtry says she has not heard back from anyone at Holly Christina Photography to date. Wilson did speak with Holly's father, who said that there are many people involved who care and are putting a lot of effort into fulfilling their obligations and that any patience customers can give is greatly appreciated.
Wilson also spoke with one customer who has since received the pictures she was owed. Other brides say they remain worried, with weddings just weeks away and still no communication from the company.
Several customers who paid by credit card report that they have disputed the charge and are hoping to receive a refund. While it's too late for many of these brides, wedding insurance is always an option, as it can offer protection if situations like this arise.