North Carolina AG Sues Raleigh Photography Company Over $750,000 in Alleged Fraud

Holly Christina Photography accused of defrauding newlywed and engaged couples by failing to provide services or refunds

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The State of North Carolina is suing a Raleigh-based photography company, Holly Christina Photography, for defrauding hundreds of newlywed and engaged couples out of an estimated $750,000. An investigation found the company failed to provide clients with previously agreed-upon services, sometimes not fulfilling any work at all, and continued taking deposits even after shutting down in January.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of couples planning their weddings and the need for stronger consumer protections in the photography industry. The alleged fraud left many couples without wedding photos or videos and without refunds, ruining one of the most important days of their lives.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed by North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Holly Christina Photography and its co-owners Holly Christina Scott Ayscue and Christopher Owen Ayscue misled and defrauded at least 166 brides, engaged couples, and their families. The company either failed to provide the services it promised or did no work at all, despite continuing to take deposits until early January. The investigation found at least 92 clients never received refunds on future bookings, 38 clients only got partial photo/video galleries, and 35 clients received raw unedited footage.

  • In January 2026, a WRAL 5 On Your Side report found more than 150 brides said they were scammed out of an estimated $540,000.
  • On January 25, 2026, the photography company shut down, but continued taking deposits from customers until early January.
  • In February 2026, the North Carolina Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit against the company and its co-owners.

The players

Jeff Jackson

The Attorney General of North Carolina who is suing Holly Christina Photography.

Holly Christina Scott Ayscue

The co-owner of Holly Christina Photography who is named in the lawsuit.

Christopher Owen Ayscue

The co-owner of Holly Christina Photography who is named in the lawsuit.

Holly Christina Photography

The Raleigh-based wedding photography company accused of defrauding hundreds of clients.

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What they’re saying

“This photographer left engaged couples and newlyweds stranded without a wedding photographer, without refunds and without memories from one of the most important days of their lives.”

— Jeff Jackson, Attorney General of North Carolina (wral.com)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction, a permanent injunction, restitution for the victims, and civil penalties against Holly Christina Photography and its co-owners.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger consumer protections and oversight in the wedding photography industry to prevent vulnerable couples from being defrauded out of thousands of dollars on one of the most important days of their lives.