Attorney General Jeff Jackson Gets Preliminary Injunction in Lawsuit Against Holly Christina Wedding Photographers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Court Orders Defendants to Provide All Undelivered Photos and Videos Within 30 Days

RALEIGH - Attorney General Jeff Jackson has won a preliminary injunction against the owners of Holly Christina Photography. Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins Jr. has ordered Holly Christina Photography to deliver all edited and unedited photos and videos within the next 30 days to couples who paid for them and haven't received them yet.

In addition, all assets owned by the company are now frozen and the defendants have been ordered not do business while the case continues.

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"We took this company to court to get justice for brides and grooms who were left without the wedding photos and videos that they paid for," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "This court order is an important step in getting these couples back the memories of their wedding day. It's also a warning to other businesses who scam consumers: if you come for North Carolinians, we'll come for you."

In February, Attorney General Jackson filed a lawsuit against Holly Christina Scott Ayscue, Christopher Owen Ayscue, and their company, Holly Christina Photography. The complaint alleges that they misled and deceived brides, engaged couples, and their families by failing to provide the photography and videography services they promised.

"I have spent hours trying to find a videographer and photographer for my upcoming wedding. This has created a financial strain because I am out of a significant amount of money for services that will not be rendered by HCP," said Alexis Sullivan, who hired Holly Christina Photography for her wedding earlier this year.

Lauren Mortell, who hired Holly Christina Photography for her wedding this month, said, "I have to spend $7,500 to hire a new photographer. Because I already paid HCP, I am unable to get a videographer. I am nervous about contracting with another company because of what I have gone through with HCP."

Under the preliminary injunction, the owners of the company are prohibited from moving, concealing, or disposing of any of their money or any of their customers' money without permission from the court while the lawsuit is pending.

The Ayscues also agreed that they will not enter into contracts, accept advance payments, advertise, or offer photography or videography services while the case is ongoing.

Since January, the Department of Justice has received 217 complaints from customers of the company alleging approximately $1 million in total financial loss. The business, which primarily sold wedding photo and video packages, failed to provide some or all of the services promised to hundreds of customers.

At least 38 clients received only sneak peeks of their photos and not their full gallery, and approximately 35 clients received only unedited photos when they had paid for editing services. At least 150 customers requested refunds on down payments, but the defendants never provided those refunds.

Additionally, the business double-booked or triple-booked clients on dozens of dates, and in many cases used backup photographers without approval from clients. They also deceptively advertised "last spot" bookings to pressure couples into buying their services.

Some clients paid an upfront deposit, at least $1,500 for most customers, and more than half of customers who complained paid the full cost upfront, an average of about $4,500.

On January 25, the company suddenly shut down, but they continued taking deposits from customers. When the business shut down, at least 29 couples were less than 90 days out from their weddings and were left scrambling to find a new photographer.

Attorney General Jackson's complaint seeks a permanent injunction, restitution for the victims, and civil penalties.

A copy of the court order can be found here.

GRAPHICS

STATS

• Average alleged loss of about $4,500 per complaint.
• More than half of complaining customers paid in full upfront in exchange for a discount.
• At least 113 clients - roughly 52 percent of complainants - requested refunds for upcoming weddings.
• Approximately 38 clients only received sneak peeks, not full galleries/videos.
• Approximately 35 clients received only raw photos/videos without editing.
• At least 43 dates were double-booked or triple-booked, and two dates had five weddings scheduled.
• At least 96 complainants felt rushed by "last spot" pressure tactics. That's roughly 44% of complainants.
• At least 29 couples had weddings less than 90 days away when the company shut down.

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