Holly Christina Photography posted on Sunday that it has ceased operations. The statement says 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 gives an email address for clients to contact them at, and the statement states, "Messages are being reviewed periodically. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult transition."
ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson first told you about the issues with Holly Christina Photography on Monday.
During a Zoom interview, 50 brides and mothers of brides said they paid thousands of dollars to Holly Christina Photography but can no longer get a response. Some brides say communication stopped entirely. "Her phone was no longer working, so there was no way to get a hold of her," said Destiny Mantz.
Other brides say missed meetings and unanswered messages have left them panicked with weddings just weeks away.
"They did not show up to the meeting, and they have not responded to two emails, a text, and an Instagram DM. My wedding is in 60 days," said Alexis Sullivan. Even mothers of the brides say they're worried. "I've been blocked. I can no longer text or call the number. And she's not communicating with anybody through email," said Dana Chavis. She did hear from the Raleigh-based company last week, and she says they did send the promised engagement photographs.
Shannon Rogers says she paid close to $7,000 to Holly Christina Photography, and while she did receive sneak peek photos, she says that's all she got. "There's not a single family picture in there. I have nothing with our grandparents, nothing with our parents, nothing," said Rogers.
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.
Wilson also spoke with the bride-to-be, Amanda Daughtry. 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." 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, except for an email asking her to make another payment.
Now that Holly Christina Photography posted on their Facebook page, they have ceased operations. The brides and mothers of the brides we talked with say they want to know how they can go about getting refunded for the money they have paid the company.
ABC11 Troubleshooter has emailed Holly Christina Photography, and we will keep you updated on what we hear.
The North Carolina Attorney General's office says they're now investigating Holly Christina Photography and asked anyone affected to file a complaint.