Wedding Photographer Faces Allegations of Ghosting Brides After Collecting Thousands
Numerous brides in North Carolina have come forward with serious allegations against a prominent local wedding photographer, claiming the business has ceased communication after accepting substantial payments for upcoming services. The controversy centres on Raleigh-based Holly Christina Photography, which describes itself as a "God-focused team" of photographers and filmmakers.
Brides Left in Limbo as Wedding Dates Approach
Dozens of couples have reported that after paying deposits or full fees—sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars—communication from Holly Christina Photography has virtually stopped. With wedding dates looming, some within mere weeks, brides have expressed growing panic and frustration.
"Her phone was no longer working, so there was no way to get a hold of her," Destiny Mantz told local outlet WTVD. Another bride, Alexis Sullivan, detailed her experience: "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."
Substantial Payments Made with Limited Deliverables
Shannon Rogers reported paying nearly $7,000 to the photography company but receiving only a handful of "sneak peek" images. "There's not a single family picture in there. I have nothing with our grandparents, nothing with our parents, nothing," Rogers lamented. The situation has left many couples without the professional photography they planned and paid for on one of the most important days of their lives.
Dana Chavis, mother of one bride, claimed the photographer blocked her phone number and stopped responding to emails altogether, though she acknowledged the company eventually contacted her last week and delivered the promised engagement photos.
Company Response Cites Medical Emergency
Holly Christina Photography addressed customer concerns in a Facebook post on Monday night, citing "a serious and unexpected medical emergency" affecting their family. The statement explained: "Holly has been hospitalized twice, which significantly disrupted communication and our ability to respond as promptly as we always strive to."
The company apologized for communication breakdowns and assured clients that all weddings have been covered. They acknowledged editing delays and promised updates by the end of the week. Notably, the Facebook post restricted who could comment, limiting public response to their statement.
Established Business with Media Features
The company's website presents Holly Christina Photography as "a God-focused team built on connection, trust, and a shared passion for telling meaningful stories through artful imagery." Founded by Holly and her husband Chris, the business has grown into what they describe as a close-knit team of photographers and filmmakers "who feel like family."
Their work has been featured in notable publications including People Magazine, Marry Me NC, and Wed Society, adding to the shock and disappointment expressed by affected clients. Some brides reported receiving an email from the company last week claiming communication delays were due to temporary family medical issues and asserting the business is not closing and intends to honor all contracts.
The statement concluded: "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." As wedding seasons approach, affected couples continue to seek resolution while navigating the emotional and practical challenges of securing alternative photography with limited notice.
