What was meant to be an elegant wedding celebration at a scenic barn venue in southern Maine descended into chaos when a hired photographer was allegedly stabbed beside the dance floor during the reception.
Guests who had gathered for a joyful evening at Kingsley Pines Camp in Raymond were left stunned as blood reportedly pooled on the floor where dancing had been taking place moments earlier.
The incident unfolded on May 23 during what attendees described as a “perfect” ceremony before violence abruptly disrupted the festivities.
Photographer Says Attack Came Without Warning
The photographer, 26-year-old Donald Halsing of Marlborough, Massachusetts, had been working the event while also saving money for his own upcoming wedding.
He attended the celebration alongside his fiancée, Ashley Wall, expecting a routine night of capturing candid moments and reception highlights.
Halsing later recounted that he was positioned near the cake-cutting area and dance floor when a guest approached him and struck up a casual conversation about his work.
According to him, the man asked about pricing and wedding photography services, a common interaction during events he shoots.
Because loud music from nearby speakers made it difficult to hear, Halsing said he pulled out his phone to show the guest his business Instagram page—just seconds before the situation escalated.
Sudden Violence Beside the Dance Floor
Halsing described the moment as sudden and disorienting.
He said the guest unexpectedly reached toward his pocket and then produced a knife, stabbing him in the abdomen without warning.
At first, he thought something had merely hit him, but quickly realized the severity of the injury after noticing blood and a wound to his stomach area.
The attacker then reportedly walked away from the scene without speaking.
Despite the shock, Halsing managed to move onto the stage near the DJ booth and call out for help as guests began to realize something was seriously wrong.
Guests Rush to Save Photographer’s Life
The wedding crowd quickly shifted from celebration to emergency response.
Several attendees with medical training stepped in immediately to assist Halsing while others alerted authorities.
Among those helping were members of the bridal party and guests with professional healthcare backgrounds, who reportedly packed the wound and applied pressure to control bleeding.
An off-duty police officer at the event also assisted in gathering information about the suspect while others pursued the fleeing guest toward a nearby lake.
Halsing later said the quick intervention likely saved his life.
Emergency Surgery and Serious Injuries
Following the attack, Halsing was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
He spent five days under medical care recovering from severe internal injuries, including two lacerations—one affecting his liver.
Medical staff stabilized him after what doctors reportedly treated as a life-threatening abdominal wound.
His recovery is expected to take time as he continues healing from the trauma and surgery.
Arrest Made as Investigation Continues
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies arrived at the venue shortly after 9 p.m. and apprehended the suspect within approximately 20 minutes.
The man identified as Andrew T Manderson, 26, of Scarborough, Maine, has been charged with elevated aggravated assault and aggravated assault.
Reports initially described Manderson as a relative of the bride, with later accounts stating he was the bride’s father, though authorities have not clarified the conflicting descriptions publicly.
The motive behind the alleged stabbing remains unknown.
Fundraiser Launched as Recovery Begins
A fundraising campaign created to support Halsing’s medical expenses described the incident as an unprovoked attack that turned a joyful occasion into a scene of panic and emergency response.
Supporters noted that Halsing had recently moved into a new home with his fiancée and was preparing for his own wedding plans when the incident occurred.
Instead of celebrating, he is now focused on a long recovery process following the violent disruption at what was meant to be a memorable day for another couple.
