Brides accuse Holly Christina Photography of disappearing after they paid thousands
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Dozens of brides are speaking out to ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson, saying their wedding photographer has suddenly gone silent, leaving them stressed and scrambling. For some, this is as their big days approach.
Wilson heard from more than two dozen brides who say 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 and 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't even text the number or call the number anymore. 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.
Several brides say they have texted, called, and emailed Holly Christina Photography but claim they have received no response. Now, they are warning others and say they want action.
"I would hope that we would get our money back," Chavis said.
Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has reached out to Holly Christina Photography but has not heard back yet. However, some customers say they did receive an email from the photographer last week.
The email stated in part that recent communication delays were due to "a temporary medical situation within the immediate family," which "unfortunately led to gaps in response time." The email also stated the business is not closing and plans to honor existing contracts.
A social media post from Holly Christina Photography reads:
"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.
We sincerely apologize for the silence and any concern this may have caused.
We want to share that all scheduled weddings have continued to be covered. While we are behind on edits, we are actively working through the backlog.
Holly deeply cares about her clients. Photography has always been more than a job for her, it's her heart and her purpose, which makes this situation especially difficult for her and our family.
We will be reaching out with clear updates and next steps by the end of the week. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult season."
Some brides say they paid with credit cards and are now disputing the charges. Many also tell us they paid in full after being offered a discount for doing so.
If you have been impacted by Holly Christina Photography, please contact Troubleshooter Diane Wilson.
This is a developing story.
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