North Carolina couples question oversight after high-profile wedding vendor failures

A wedding day can cost as much as a new car or even a down payment on a home. Yet unlike many industries that handle thousands of dollars in consumer money, the wedding business operates with relatively little oversight. After a series of high-profile disputes left North Carolina couples out thousands of dollars, questions are growing about whether the industry needs more accountability.

Over the past year, WRAL's 5 On Your Side has reported on multiple wedding-related consumer complaints. State investigators estimate more than 200 couples lost nearly $1 million in the case involving Holly Christina Photography. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office sued the company, alleging customers paid for wedding photography services and never received photos or videos they were promised.

"As you can imagine, as a wedding photography company, you really have to screw up to get sued by your state's attorney general, but here we are," said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, during a press conference.

Before that, 5 On Your Side reported on a dispute involving The Cotton Room wedding venue after it kept a couple's food and beverage deposit when the groom died unexpectedly five months before the wedding.

While the circumstances were different, the complaints shared a common theme: couples paid significant deposits upfront and later found themselves struggling to get answers. Ashley DeLong knows that frustration firsthand. She says she paid Louisburg-based Southern Magnolia Photography LLC roughly $1,300 to capture her November 2025 wedding. According to her contract, she expected to receive her full gallery by the end of January. That deadline came and went.

"I've always said weddings are a racket, and I am living true to that testament," DeLong said.

Unable to get responses through phone calls or emails, DeLong checked the photographer's Facebook page. That's when she noticed something surprising.

"I was like, wait a second, I haven't received some of the photos that you're using to advertise," she said. "So, not only are you using my pictures to advertise, I haven't even seen them yet."

Wedding planner Haines Jones says stories like these highlight vulnerabilities within the industry.

"Does the wedding industry need more regulation? Yeah. Yes, 100%. It is so saturated and so easy to enter the market when you have nothing to show for it," Jones said.

Southern Magnolia Photography LLC was based in Louisburg, North Carolina, and listed Alyssa Renee Burnette as its owner in state records. Records from the North Carolina Secretary of State show the company was administratively dissolved on December 12, 2025, after failing to file its required annual report. Despite the dissolution, multiple consumers told WRAL they hired the business or paid deposits after that date.

Editor’s note: This North Carolina business is not affiliated with Southern Magnolia Photography, a separate Louisiana-based photography company with a similar name.  

Jones explained that unlike industries such as banking, insurance or real estate, there is no dedicated state regulator overseeing wedding vendors. Because many couples pay deposits months or even years before their wedding day, they can be especially vulnerable if a business fails or stops communicating.

Before paying a deposit or signing a contract thoroughly vet vendors. That includes checking reviews, verifying the business is properly registered, asking about experience and requesting references from recent clients.

When hiring a photographer, Jones recommends asking to see at least three complete wedding galleries, confirming turnaround times and ensuring those deadlines are written into the contract.

For months, DeLong said she had no clear answers about her missing wedding photos. Then, shortly after 5 On Your Side contacted the photographer requesting comment, Delong received the raw, unedited images.

The photos were not the finished product she paid for, but they provided proof that the memories had not been lost.

While most wedding professionals are reputable, here's what couples should watch for before signing contracts or handing over money.

1. Too-Good-To-Be-True Dresses

Deep discounts on designer wedding gowns can be a red flag. Consider purchasing from established retailers, checking customer reviews, and paying with a credit card whenever possible for added fraud protection.

2. Fake or Misrepresented Jewelry

Before purchasing an engagement ring or other expensive jewelry, ask for independent certification and consider obtaining a third-party appraisal. These steps can help verify that the stone and materials match what is being advertised.

3. Gift Theft

Wedding cards and gifts can be easy targets for thieves. Couples should consider assigning someone they trust to secure gifts during the reception or move them to a locked room. Another option is encouraging guests to ship gifts directly through the couple's registry.

4. Bogus Vendors

Perhaps the most costly scam involves vendors who take deposits but fail to deliver services. Before hiring a photographer, florist, venue, or other wedding professional, experts recommend checking reviews, searching for complaints with the Better Business Bureau, and asking to speak with recent clients.

A New Tool for Couples

In response to growing concerns about accountability in the wedding industry, Jones helped launch a new online marketplace, DayOfWeddings.com, designed to help couples research vendors before booking.

Jones says vendors on the platform can submit proof of business registration and insurance to earn verification badges. The site also encourages greater transparency by requiring vendors to provide details such as pricing and availability upfront.

Unlike some traditional wedding directories, Jones says vendor visibility on the platform is based on engagement and responsiveness rather than advertising dollars.