Back from Punta Cana - Round 2 - and NEVER going back

I must really thank all of you who have sent me emails, Facebook messages and phoned me since my safe arrival back in Canada. Your notes, thoughts, prayers, sympathy, concerns and understanding have been greatly appreciated.

I am so THANKFUL that I am alive. That is all that matters.

I wanted to take this opportunity to let those who are planning to vacation/get married in the Dominican Republic in the future know that this is NOT a safe place to go. I was attacked, robbed, beaten and strangled on the beach just north of the Majestic Colonial Resort in broad daylight by a local Domincan/Haitian male on Monday January 28th.

It is thought by some that my attack was not random, but planned because as a Canadian Wedding Photographer shooting a wedding in the Dominican, I was taking work away from the resort photographers - this apparently makes them very angry. I cannot comprehend this thought as it seems absolutely outrageous, but apparently it is a possibility. Personally, I am quite certain my attack was very random and not premeditated by resort photographers.

You may think, “big deal”, my case is just one out of thousands that travel to these resorts. Right and wrong. Many people travel to foreign countries and have an amazing time which we all hear about, but it is often the bad and scary situations that don’t hit the news stand. These incidents often get swept away for one reason or another. It can happen to anyone - especially when you least expect it.

For the record, I am NOT retiring from wedding photography. I am retiring from Destination Weddings. There’s a big difference. A bride-to-be started rumours on Facebook and Wedding Bells that I am retiring. This is not true. I will not be booking any more destination weddings (anytime soon!) especially in the Dominican Republic. Going to a place where I have to look over my shoulder constantly is not really my idea of a good time. Hopefully this clears the air on that matter.

It is my hope that the beast who hurt me will be punished appropriately. Whether he runs free or goes to jail for period of time or however it works in the Dominican, he will ultimately be punished by God for his actions. It is not my place to judge or dictate punishment, but rather to trust Him (God is the ultimate judge) to punish those who have done wrong according to His law.

In the near future, I will continue posting photos where I left off.

Stacey