The Salimeno’s Extended Family Session in Boulder

The Egan & Salimeno Family

A mother and father celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary pose with their son, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren to mark the occasion

Garret slowly wiggled the cork in the bottle loose. A loud pop sounded at it shot free and vanished into the air. His dad quickly held out a glass to catch the foam escaping from the open bottle.

In no time, drinks were poured and passed around to the family and friends gathered to celebrate Steve and Ellen’s 38th wedding anniversary. Their extended family session to capture the occasion was over, and the festivities had begun.

It has been almost a decade since Ilia and I first met. We’ve bonded over many cups of coffee and the antics of our children.

In recent years, Ilia and her family have been regulars in front of my camera so I was especially thrilled when I learned that she wanted to book a session to celebrate her parents’ 38th wedding anniversary.

They chose a gorgeous old building featuring stone, red brick and three winding, iron staircases as the location for their portrait session.

The green in their outfits complimented the architecture and surrounding trees beautifully.

Kegan and Chloe quickly climbed to the top of the highest staircase while Emilia played it safe and peeked through the handrails at the bottom.

Don’t ask me to choose

I’m hard pressed to pick just one photo from their extended family session as my favorite as so many of them tug at my heart.

Emilia’s fascination at seeing her Papa and Yaya share a kiss while the rest of their family looks on.

The delightful laughter and expressions that resulted from all eight family members walking hand-in-hand. Then there’s the kiss Ilia and Kirt shared as they leaned over a railing, complete with a foot pop.

And inviting Garret’s unsuspecting girlfriend to join him for a quick photo or two perfectly highlights their budding new love.

Ilia and Kirt, I’m so thankful for friends like you who allow me to do what I love; capture moments to treasure, year after year. The unexpected spring snowstorm delayed us by a day but couldn’t stop us from capturing gorgeous photos to celebrate your parents’ 38th wedding anniversary.

Plus, now you’re ahead of the game since you found a location for your next family session while we were walking back to the car. Here are some of my favorite moments from your extended family session in Boulder. Enjoy!

xo, Theresa

A mother and father celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary kiss in front of their daughter and, son-in-law to mark the occasion

Gear used during this extended family session: Think Tank Backstory 13, Canon 5d Mark IV, Canon EF 50mm 1.2L 


Interested in a session for your family?

Click here to learn more, or contact me with questions. 

If you can see your family in moments like these—but the idea of making it happen feels a little overwhelming—I’ve got you. I’ll guide you every step of the way so it feels relaxed and natural, not forced.

Headshot of Theresa Pelser, an Erie-based family and newborn photographer.

I’m Theresa, a family photographer and mom of four based in Erie, Colorado.

I work with families who want photos that feel like real life—connected and true to who they are.

Whether you’re planning a cozy in-home session or heading outdoors, I bring a calm, encouraging presence and an eye for the moments that matter most.

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