The co-owners of Holly Christina Photography spoke publicly Monday as they appeared in court in Winston-Salem on felony charges tied to their now-closed wedding photography business.
Holly Scott Ayscue and her husband, Christopher Ayscue, each face one count of felony obtaining property by false pretenses. The charges stem from a bride who said she paid the couple a $5,600 deposit that was never returned after the business closed.
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WRAL's 5 On Your Side has investigated Holly Christina Photography after numerous couples said they paid for wedding photos and videos they never received.
Outside the courtroom Monday, Holly Ayscue said an illness contributed to the failure of the business.
"I have done everything in my power to fulfill what I can," Ayscue said. "It has been very difficult in our family, and that is all I can say."
Ayscue said she is still dealing with health issues and that they are part of the reason she has not spoken publicly.
Christopher Ayscue said the couple is "working our hardest to fix everything as fast as we can." The couple declined to comment further.
The North Carolina Department of Justice has said it received complaints from more than 200 people involving more than $750,000 connected to the business.
The State of North Carolina is suing the Raleigh-based business.
The Ayscues are expected to return to court in Forsyth County later in August.