A Wedding Photography Company Took $750,000 From Couples. What They Want Most Isn’t Their Money Back
The state of North Carolina is seeking $600,000 in restitution, $1.1 million in civil penalties, and a permanent injunction.
Jeff Jackson. Illustration: Inc.; Photos: ; Adobe Stock. Photos:
After taking more than $750,000 in advance payments from couples who say they never received their wedding photos or videos, now-closed North Carolina business Holly Christina Photography is facing a potential final judgment sought by the state’s attorney general.
North Carolina sued Holly Christina Photography in February, accusing the company and its owners of unfair and deceptive trade practices.
The state later secured a preliminary injunction requiring
The state later secured a preliminary injunction requiring the company to turn over outstanding photos and videos within 30 days, stop doing business, and refrain from moving or disposing of company assets. But according to a Wednesday post on X from North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Holly Christina Photography failed to comply with the order.
Now, the state is seeking a final judgment against the company.
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How Holly Christina Photography got here
Founded in 2019, Holly Christina Photography sold wedding and bridal photography, editing, and videography services. Owners Holly Ayscue and Chris Ayscue marketed the company as a small, family-run business, according to the state’s complaint.
Customers were required to pay deposits in advance. Most complaining customers paid at least $1,500, and more than half paid the full cost upfront—an average of more than $5,000—in exchange for a 10 percent discount, according to a February release from Jackson’s office.
After taking those payments, the company either failed to provide all the services promised in its contracts or, in some cases, allegedly performed no work at all, according to the complaint.
Source: www.inc.com
