The North Carolina Department of Justice says it has launched an official investigation into a Raleigh wedding photography company after receiving 89 complaints from brides who say they paid the company thousands of dollars but never received responses or their photos.

More than 150 brides say they are collectively out of $540,000 after Holly Christina Photography took their money but never provided their services or never released the photos already taken.

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“I just can’t help but worry that I’m never going to get anything,” Shannon Rogers told WRAL’s 5 On Your Side. “At this point, like, I just want the raw images and the raw video and to figure it out myself so those memories aren’t gone.”

Now, some local photographers are stepping in trying to help.

“We’re trying to make sure that the people who need the help can get the help,” said Jenn Aan, owner of Halfton Studios NC.

Aan and Avery Wooten, owner of Avery Wooten Photography, said they are both offering free services to help affected brides or connect them with other willing companies.

“I have four on the calendar, and have still been getting inquiries,” Wooten said.

Aan is handling brides like Rogers, offering to edit their photos. She said she’s repeatedly tried to contact Holly Christina Photography to release the raw images so she can edit them and return them to the couples. 

“If I can get my hands on the media, I can definitely give them something,” Aan said.

So far, Aan said the company had not responded to her offer and hadn’t said anything publicly since announcing the closure, citing unforeseen circumstances.

Christopher Ayscue, listed at the company’s CEO and co-owner, was arrested for assaulting a female last Fall with the arrest warrant listing Holly Christina as the victim. The case is now pending in court.

The company said it would reach out to brides directly, but many brides have told WRAL News they had not heard anything.

Most brides say they paid everything upfront in exchange for a discount, but don’t fall for that. Pay in installments and pay with a credit card, which offers some protections.

The DOJ is asking any couple who lost money or property to Holly Christina Photography to fill out an online form. Some brides told WRAL they’ve also filed complaints with their local police departments.