Leslie Dumke Studio

El Presidente Hotel on Cozumel

2012-02-02T12:46:00.003-05:00

as always... EL PREZ ROCKS!

This is where I had my rehearsal dinner and just love visiting each and every time I am on the island. Krystel and Danny posed for us a few final times after we bombed around the outer beaches. We all melted into the super comfi orange lounge couches to watch the sunset. Cesar and Olga, from the hotel hosted our visit with divine comfort and Steve Depino and I shared our first, icy cold, refreshing margarita!

http://www.intercontinentalcozumel.com/english/about/

Krystel and Danny's Destination Wedding Week Begins!

2012-02-01T17:36:00.003-05:00

My love for the Island of COZUMEL continues. This visit I was lucky enough to cover a Destination Wedding for the awesome and HUGE Peralta family whom I've know for about twenty years. I'm their In House photographer, so to speak. Krystel and Danny grew up in California but agreed to host their 120 person bash on their beloved island of Cozumel. Kelley Kapfer, (amazing stylist), Steve Depino (amazing photographer!) and I met up with this very loving couple on the Wednesday before the wedding for a really fun time at the outer beaches of Playa Bonita and Chen Rio. There's nothing but pure jungle on one side of the little road and pure beach on the other side of the road. No hotels, no electricity. Pure NATURE! It's actually where I got married ten years ago (on horses!) So, with the help of Colleen and Cristian, we darted around the dreamy locaciones! Thanks K, S, C & C for all your fine help and work. At sunset we arrived at El Presidente Hotel, but that's another blog.

Harkness Eolia Mansion

2012-01-12T17:32:00.003-05:00

I was lucky to have the most beautiful day for Susan's wedding. And what a great dance party they had. The DJ played the best music. Hana Floral Design orchestrated the flowers while A Thyme To Cook provide super food.

The New Haven Lawn Club and Hana Floral Design

2012-01-12T16:55:00.004-05:00

This classy, New Haven Club is so unique & elegant and I love covering events there. Christine and all of team are so bright, energetic and accommodating. My brides are always calm and that's a good thing. Flowers in these photos are by HANA FLORAL DESIGN, the ever talented Yumiko Fletcher.

The Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Connecticut

2012-01-12T15:12:00.004-05:00

When clients book this pristine, white mansion they drive up the luxuriously, long driveway to the circular driveway, the sprawling lawns in the back of the property surrounded by 100 year old, super tall, pine trees. True elegance. The mansion is so well cared for and maintained. I love working with Deborah and Kristy.

The New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island

2012-01-12T14:22:00.004-05:00

An absolute AWESOME venue for a wedding! Boats galore, the gorgeous SPERRY TENT, dreamy sunsets and terrific views. Plus all of your guests get to enjoy the weekend going to the beaches, mansion tours and fun stores in town!

Kate and Jed's Wedding Day: Part One

2011-10-06T11:49:00.006-04:00

The Most ELEGANT of all weddings. Thank you for having us! We were super delighted to be there!

Above, our "Vanity Fair" look a like photo.

Meghan and Jamie AND MAX Tie The Knot at New Haven Country Club

2011-09-26T19:56:00.008-04:00

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656829373194181330" />

Meghan and I were both visiting our mothers up in Stonington one weekend earlier this summer when we found ourselves down by Lighthouse Beach for Sunset. Meghan noticed Milo in the back of my volvo and I noticed her adorable new baby. I asked her if she would do a Trade - dog for baby - but she said no. A month later my name was referred to her and when she went to my website and saw the "Milo and Me" slide show, she realized we had already met, clicked and that this was all KARMA.

Above: This is Jamie's dad, CJ Cuticello -- What a delightful man who loves photography as much as I do.

The gorgeous DRESS is from THE WHITE DRESS BY THE SHORE -- Thanks to Beth Chapman and her amazing team!

Baby Lorelei

2011-06-18T10:46:00.006-04:00

Our third shoot together -- this time with a bubbling, super happy, baby Lorelei. Thank you Tim and Marissa for supporting the arts again! We love having you as a part of the Leslie Dumke Studio's Family. Consider us your documentarians!

Melissa and Jeff's Engagement Shoot

2011-06-07T15:07:00.005-04:00

Thank you to Melissa and Jeff for coming out to HARKNESS STATE PARK to cover a few "practice" images before their wedding on July 4th weekend. We had to postpone so many times due the rainy spring we had but was I glad to have the day we did -- perfect blue skies, green, green lawns and a nice cool breeze. Melissa and Jeff were so beautiful. I got home and thought, "it just doesn't get better than this." I'm so lucky to be doing what I am doing for a living. Thanks to Jen Satinsky, my former bride, for coming out to help. She's an aspiring photographer with a great, natural eye!

Amy and Neil's Wedding Day at The Stone Mill House

2011-06-01T13:14:00.013-04:00

One of the nicest places to be - forget about a wedding -- just being at the New York Botanical Gardens is such a spiritual experience. Amy and Neil's Wedding was at the ever-beautiful and newly renovated The Stone Mill House. The flowers were stunning: Forever in Bloom. The catering was gorgeous: Abigail Kirsch. Paul Richards treated us like GOLD. Thank you to Kris Orlowski, my amazing second shooter for coming all the way down to the Bronx! We battled the rain and here are some fun art shots from the day.

New York Botanical Gardens

Ah, The Loveliness of a Sperry Tent!

2011-04-08T12:10:00.004-04:00

let them eat CAKE

2011-04-05T17:08:00.011-04:00

www.jordancaterers.com

www.athymetocook.com

www.kellyssweetrewards.com

Maggie and Bruce's New York Wedding: PART ONE

2011-02-28T13:26:00.005-05:00

JOIN THE FUN!

Thank you to Bob Wallace for all of his super fantastic imagery! We make a great team!

Maggie and Bruce's New York Wedding: PART TWO

2011-02-26T17:01:00.006-05:00

On a beautiful winter day in New York. My dear friend and I, Bob Wallace, covered the most wonderful wedding day. We started at the University Club, then went to Madison Avenue to the most beautiful Episcopal church and then returned for a five hour reception at the UC. Maggie and Bruce were madly in love. The band was amazing -- a huge orchestra. THE BOB HARDWICK BAND. The room looked gorgeous. The flowers were by STEMS in Rye, NY.

1-1-11 Emily and John have THE BEST anniversary date!

2011-01-20T12:32:00.005-05:00

This year started off with a BANG. Emily and John hosted an elegant black and white winter wedding at The Farmington Club. I've never had so much fun covering their party! Here is just a bit of the high energy -- presented in classic black and white! Thank you to the Turner and Ponte families! Thank you to Bob Wallace for being a part of me team.

Jen and Tommy's Wedding In Newport!

2010-09-22T09:54:00.010-04:00

One of the very best weddings of the year. THANK YOU Jen and Tommy!!!!

The DANCE PARTY was unbelievable. So many talented, gorgeous people! Hipsters.
href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dl_HXc5_DyY/TJouNdL-dCI/AAAAAAAAA9g/SGh30DzcgBo/s1600/0334.jpg">

Karin and Corrado's E-Shoot in New Haven

2010-06-22T14:53:00.003-04:00

How much fun was last Friday? Very fun. Karin and Corrado worked their magic around Chapel Streets. Kris Orwolski helped me get it all together. (Thanks Kris Rae!) I'm loving the high season. It's shoot after shoot.

Make up by Jennie Fresa Beauty Library: www.jenniefresa.com. Awesome job, Jennie.

Hipsters in Boston

2010-05-25T11:17:00.005-04:00

We went everywhere and I can't wait for their July Wedding BASH at the TAJ!

How much more beautiful can Amy and Mike be?

2010-05-10T09:50:00.006-04:00

I mean, come on! They're gorgeous! I can't wait to work with them next month at The Guilford Yacht Club. Such wonderful LOVEBUGS!

The Ever Lovely OCEAN HOUSE -- A childhood spot for me.

2010-03-31T18:16:00.006-04:00

AHH. I can't wait for summer and shooting up there!

When I was 8 just walking up the hill was a huge conquest. I had shirley temples and sat on dad's lap. When I was 18 it was a party spot with preppies from college. When I was 28 it was bachelorette party time. When I was 38, the reno began. I'm sooooo happy it's opening up JUST in time for SUMMAH! I'll take clients to the point for family portraits, engagement shoots, hopefully cover some weddings, visit with family friends and most importantly, share the glory of the OH with my 9 nieces and nephews. It's such a special place.

An Adoption Story -- Touched By Such Love!

2010-03-07T10:41:00.011-05:00

Winter Bliss For Me
Lily came from Russia in December to the ever wonderful home of Beth and Scott. It was a long time coming. Everyone was patient, and finally, she arrived. There was boiling-over JOY. Miles and Zach were so happy to finally meet their new little sister. When they are NOT rough housing in the basement with light sabers and all sorts of toys, they're loving Lily up! Usually when I go to a house to cover a family session I usually do a mix of "A Day In The Life" type of imagery & nice, clean portraits. My main goal, no matter what, is to show the relationships between the different family members, their interactions and full on emotions. I'm very patient and make sure the little ones, ("les petits") know that they can climb all over me. I'm a big MUSH - everybody knows that. Anyway, I'm so thankful to have good friends like Beth and Scott. I've worked professionally with both of them on commercial shoots in the old days of New Yawk. What good eggs. ADOPT! ADOPT! ADOPT! I'd love to travel the country going from house to house covering just Adoption Stories. That would be soooo fulfilling. Anyhow...

Marissa and Tim's Wedding at The Bond Ballroom

2010-01-17T20:51:00.006-05:00

Having clients like Marissa and Tim makes my job so easy! Thank you guys! I loved every minute of covering your wedding. Thanks Michelle Chappel for your second shooting -- you're amazing.

Christine and Matt's Wedding Day

2009-12-15T10:49:00.009-05:00

Thank you Christine and Matt for having us as a part of your day. We were so thoroughly inspired by your LOVE, by the venue, by the flowers, the dress, the State House, the dance party. We couldn't be more thrilled with the story we will be sharing you soon.
Flowers by Diane at Custom Floral Design
Wedding Planning by the gals from Sixpence -- Lindsay and Talia were amazing! I loved being on your team.
Seven Stunning Bridesmaids

Beautiful work by Michelle Chapel

The fabulous gown was from a NYC salon: Ines Di Santo. Christine wore it well -- we couldn't have been more psyched that she chose such a fun dress. I think it was five feet wide.

This wedding will be in BRIDES magazine this January!

2009-12-05T11:35:00.002-05:00

A big thanks to Mia and Craig fore sharing their imagery with the wedding world. R U back from Korea yet?

The Henry Family Portrait Was Such A Delight

2009-12-01T19:46:00.008-05:00

Love in the Air!

We got this in before it really got cold. Phew.

I know Kerrie and Mark really well -- I covered their wedding. They were kind enough to refer me to every single one of their friends getting married so I've seen them year after year on the dance floor -- most recently just this October! Thanks you guys.

After our Holiday Card photo was a success, Em wanted to dress up for a fashion shoot. She's so groovy!

See you soon for the Birthday shoots!

Smashing Seminar in Sugarbush, Vermont

2009-10-29T19:41:00.005-04:00

I had the pleasure attending a Studio Success Seminar held by the famous Kevin Kubota and The Taufers. I saw Bruce, Joceyln and Robin from my New York days and then had the pleasure of meeting lots of other Pro Photogs from Canada, CT and MASS. 45 of us hung out for 2-3 days and soaked in all the info we could possibly soak in. The practice shoots were a nice bit of fun -- a break from the lectures on the latest tech software. I'm always up for continuing my journey or growth -- my motto: EVOLVE still sticks in my head. Tackle your fears, change, learn & evolve!

Sarah and Jason's Wedding at Norwich Inn and Spa

2009-09-21T09:27:00.005-04:00

"OH WHAT A NIGHT!" Despite the funky weather and wet soggy rain, Sarah and Jason braved it out for me. The Norwich Inn's campus is just too pretty NOT to go outside. The sprawling lawn, big old trees, the fountain and sweet, lush courtyard is all lovely. Thanks you guys.

Babies, Kids and Famlies -- Feel The Love

2009-08-14T21:58:00.007-04:00

Getting Psyched For Fall Family Portraits!

2009-08-14T20:23:00.007-04:00

Mia and Craig's Wedding Day

2009-08-07T14:34:00.004-04:00

Jonathan Edwards Winery. Coastal Gourmet Caterers. Thank you everyone for helping us have the perrrrrfect day!

Sarah and Jason's E-SHOOT - Sunset on the Beach

2009-07-27T21:30:00.006-04:00

These two are such good friends to each other. I can tell they're going to have a long, happy marriage. We laughed the whole time. Thanks you guys, Leslie (P.S. I'm sorry I didn't bring MILO.)

Kim and David's Wedding Day at Florence Griswold Museum

2009-07-27T14:14:00.003-04:00

A BIG Thanks to AMY ETRA for her superb photography partnership with my studio & key vendors like Jennie Fresa Makeup & Coastal Gourmet Caterers -- we love working with you. Band: Prelude. "Oh, what a night...!"

Mia and Craig's E-Shoot at Yale -- The Doctors!

2009-07-24T20:59:00.007-04:00

Can't wait to be a part of your wedding day at JONATHAN EDWARDS WINERY!

Liz and Don are ready for their wedding at The Wainwright House

2009-07-24T16:02:00.004-04:00

2009-07-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

Liz and Don's E-SHOOT at Coveleigh Country Club

2009-07-10T13:00:00.006-04:00

Claire and Steve's Wedding in Greenwich

2009-06-19T22:29:00.000-04:00

Delighted to be a part of the day! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We'll have such a wonderful story for you in a few weeks time -- all your super special moments. Claire, you rocked the house when you were on stage with the band singin' "Preacher Man!" Les and Bob

A Moment After Sarah and Eric's First Glance at Le Chateau

2009-06-18T13:09:00.001-04:00

They couldn't be happier.

Fresh Lime Events Photo Shoot

2009-06-01T20:58:00.001-04:00

Lindsay, Dee-Dee, Kelley and I had a blast at The Waveny House. Thank you Dee-Dee for perfect hair/make up & staying on with us. Thank you Kelley for perfect wardrobe styling and so much more. Thank you Lindsay for putting up with having your photo taken 500 times. A BIG thank you to our new friend, Sharon for lending us the greyhound dog and bringing us MANGO blender drinks! Perfect for a Friday afternoon. LTM: Dinner was divine!

DeLISH. Baby Mia and Mama Isabel

2009-05-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

Mia's Mom, Isabel was my beautiful bride two years ago. I say that meaning, I photographed her wedding and she became a part of the Leslie Dumke Studio Family. She's also a "featured" bride in my studio - there's a big enlargement of her up on my wall -- a black and white image of her sweeping her dress 'round the columns of The Waterview. Her baby Mia was all smiles. The most perfect little face. Like a doll. I wanted to keep her.

Baby Estelle Was JUST The Happiest Baby

2009-05-20T15:34:00.000-04:00

Let's get naked!

BEST SHOES AWARD GOES TO SARAH TRUE!

2009-05-04T21:13:00.000-04:00

2009-05-04T19:07:00.000-04:00

Jen and Ted's Beautiful Day By The Sea

2009-04-29T16:11:00.001-04:00

Saybrook Point Inn -- Liz Sullivan Rules!

I Love My LENS BABY!

Another Wonderful Event at THE WHITE DRESS BY THE SHORE

2009-04-03T21:50:00.003-04:00

The White Dress By The Shore Event Was Jam Packed! Congratulations Everyone!

Jennie, Kelly, Yumiko and I Team Up In Mystic

2009-03-15T22:28:00.000-04:00

OH WHAT DREAMY FUN! YUMIKO'S SHOP IS JUST DELISH!

Beauty Tips, Flowers & Champagne

2009-03-15T22:11:00.001-04:00

A Wintry Trip To The City -- Burrrrrr!

2009-03-14T21:39:00.000-04:00

DOWNTOWN NEW YAWK!

FANTASTIC FUN WITH LINDSEY, DIANE & DARIN

2009-02-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

DELICIOUS COLORS AND MOOD. ARTICHOKES ARE MY FAVORITE VEGETABLE (WITH LOTS OF BUTTER!)

An Elegant Collaboration at The Lawn Club

2009-02-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

LINDSEY MAURATH EVENTS & DIANE GAUDETT FLORAL DESIGN & DARIN at THE NEW HAVEN LAWN CLUB & ME with my TUNES!

2009-02-15T18:09:00.000-05:00

More Fun From Lindsey's Gig at Choco

2009-02-15T17:42:00.000-05:00

A Good Time Had By All in SONO at CHOCOPOLOGIE

2009-02-14T14:26:00.000-05:00

Thank Lindsey for planning such a great event.
Thanks to Grace Ormonde and all the vendors.
MANY MORE PIX TO COME. Stay Tuned.
(Help! I'm being kidnapped into some surprise Valentine's Day adventure.)
Les

Solemates. Heal Stuck in the Grass? Helpful Hints.

2009-02-07T12:41:00.002-05:00

Don't you just hate it when you're running around at the wedding and the heal of your gorgeous wedding day shoe gets stuck in the grass? I noticed a great article on one of the most successful vendor's blog. Have a look at her site for the store and some very funny photos by Jimmy Choo. http://plumedserpentbridal.blogspot.com

2009-02-07T12:41:00.001-05:00

2009-02-06T11:57:00.000-05:00

I'm in love with Erin and Brian! We're working on their album now and I can't wait for them to see the final product. It'll show the entire story of their day.... not including the rain. Thank you Erin and Brian for having as a part of our day.

A Perfect, Sunny Day For Saturday's Shoot

2009-02-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

The very calm golf course -- only a few cross country skiers in sight. Ahh! Venue:Quattro Pazzi, Norwalk, CT

Jane and Jim's Magical Winter Day - I've never LAUGHED so much.

2009-02-02T19:05:00.001-05:00

I've never had so much fun. Jane and Jim's Wedding

2009-02-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

As I'm posting a few images from Jane and Jim's wedding this past weekend, I'm reliving all the fun. I've never had a more friendly group of family and friends. Thank you so much for having us as a part of your day! Les

A Cozy Winter Wedding At Le Chateau!

2009-01-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you Courtney, Steve (Ina and Jim, Elaine and Steve), for having us as a part of your wonderful day. We're delighted to share a few images from Sunday's cozy winter day at Le Chateau. We'll post all of your images on www.pictage.com as soon as we're done editing them. The day couldn't have gone better. Everyone and every thing was just gorgeous. Enjoy two sets of pix! Leslie and Kelley. Venue: www.LeChateauNY.com Mgr: Christine Tirado.

More of Courtney and Steve's Wedding

2009-01-23T12:28:00.001-05:00

I'm DIGGIN this real winter!

2009-01-22T19:25:00.000-05:00

CHECK OUT MY VOLVO & DRIVEWAY. IT'S DOWNRIGHT DREAMY. It's been many years since we've had real snow storms. (Don't even get me started on the whole global warming thing.) I absolutely LOVE how much snow we've gotten so far. When I hear anything over 4 inches I jump and down like a school kid. I mean, driving home from last weekend's winter wedding wasn't that much fun but I love playing football with my dawgie and neighbors here on my quiet lane in the fluffy snow. I'm savoring the quiet, the crunch beneath my feet, the clean smell of the super crisp air. CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH! When we're out having a workout and shoveling the snow, (thank goodness it's all downhill), we dress up in Patagonia's midweight capeline long undies, the CRAZIEST of hats and gortex waterproof hikers! Bishops Hot Cider (spiked or not) hits the spot when we come in. CIAO FOR NOW.

Baby Kate Takes A Bath

2009-01-22T19:07:00.000-05:00

You know there's nothing like waking up in a house to the sound of a COOING, happy baby.
I mean we had the BEST winter holiday out in San Fran because we spent it with my sis, her husband and their two DELISH kids, Ellie and Kate. Here are a few shots of BABY KATE from our splendid time there. Thanks Sarah & Chad For Hosting Us!

2008-12-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

2008-12-19T10:27:00.001-05:00

Brooke and Garrett Couldn't Have Been More Gorgeous

2008-12-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Also published in this month's issue of WESTPORT magazine! I loved working with them and their parents too!

Caitlin and Jason's First Glance

2008-09-29T14:13:00.001-04:00

Revving up for the wedding season.

2008-04-11T13:19:00.000-04:00

MEXICO Peace Bliss !

2008-03-11T14:05:00.001-04:00

The Perfect Fall Wedding

2007-11-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Knorr Wedding at Tyrone Farm Was Just FAB!!!!

2007-11-17T10:43:00.001-05:00

Fuscia MADNESS Mayheim During Group Shots - I Love It!

2007-09-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

Bridget Squires had her girls dress in FUSCIA. Pair that color with the bright blue skies, the deep blue ocean, the green, flowing lawn at Water's Edge Resort and you've got great images! Here's some loose candids from our mayheim portrait session.

Thinkin' OuT Of tHE BoX

2007-09-07T14:21:00.000-04:00

I haven't yet shared images that I capture when I'm thinking out of the box. It's so much fun to bring a landscape image into a new dimension or adding motion to a still of nature. Getting out and creating new ways of seeing is a wonderful exercise... it then enhances my professional work -- big time. See what you think? Let me know.

Getting The GANG Together!

2007-08-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

A LOBSTA bAKe WiTH ThE SaRTy's

2007-08-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

Jessica And Her Flower Girls. A Great Day at Lord Thompson Manor.

2007-08-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Susan's Gusty Day in Brooklyn Heights Overlooking New YAWK!

2007-08-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

Sum-Sum-Summertime!

2007-08-09T15:24:00.001-04:00

I'm lovin my work -- my "peeps", my summer days of shooting weddings! I'm so lucky.
Amanda and Dan's June wedding brought me to Lighthouse Park and check out this CAROUSEL - a vortex of HIGH ENERGY!
A huge storm came through -- so typical of the hot, humid days we've had. But I loved it. The dramatic, stormy skies provided super photo "OPPS". I'll post more night shots from their wedding later on. Les