Last weekend we celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary, and as we’ve come to share over the years, our favorite way to mark the occasion is with family time, a good meal, and a few photos to remember it all by. One small tradition that has stuck with us is trying to capture a family portrait each year. It began casually with a point-and-shoot camera and then evolved into trips with a tripod and camera remote (you can thank Clara for encouraging that evolution). This year, though, we kept things delightfully simple: an iPhone on a family walk. I took this shot with my own hand, and it felt perfectly us.
We also attempted a second version where we kissed for the camera. Clara, who loves to make silly faces when she sees herself in “facetime” mode, had other ideas and made the funniest expressions. Those candid moments are often our favorites because they capture personality and real interaction rather than a posed perfection.
It ended up being our most successful little photo session to date. A few quick clicks and we had a shot where everyone was smiling — the kind of photo that makes the whole effort feel worth it. With that captured, we were free to keep walking and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. For a busy family, getting a natural, happy portrait in just a few tries felt like an anniversary miracle.
We chose Belle Isle for our walk, one of our favorite spots in Richmond. It’s a place that blends nature and local history in a way we both enjoy, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing. Clara loved exploring the trails and shoreline; seeing her curiosity and energy in a familiar place made the day even more special. The mix of green space and water is always a good backdrop for casual photos and simple family moments.
Since we were already downtown, we decided to try a pie restaurant we’d been meaning to visit. Yes, a restaurant dedicated to pies — both savory and sweet. It felt like a quirky, celebratory choice for an anniversary lunch. We both opted for savory pies to keep the meal lunch-appropriate, and they were satisfying and comforting in that homey, nostalgic way that makes a meal feel celebratory without being fussy. If we ever had the chance to get married again, we’d definitely consider that place for catering — their pies felt like the kind of food that turns a casual meal into a memory.
The afternoon rhythm was briefly interrupted by Clara’s nap time, which, for us, translates into a bit of work time while she sleeps. Fortunately, she woke right as Grammy arrived to take over babysitting duty, so we were able to enjoy a proper date night. We headed to CineBistro, one of those dine-while-you-watch theaters, which is a fun way to combine dinner and a movie without having to rush between venues. It’s a nice option for parents who want a comfortable, low-effort night out.
We saw The Heat and found it genuinely funny — a light-hearted, laughter-filled way to cap off the day. We paired the movie with a shared banana cheesecake, a small indulgence that made the night feel indulgent in the best way. If you ever have the chance to combine a comedy with a decadent dessert, we recommend it: laughter plus cheesecake is a surprisingly excellent pairing.
All in all, our sixth anniversary was low-key but perfect for us. It combined family time, a bit of exploration at one of our favorite Richmond spots, a delicious meal, and a cozy date night. With the busy Fourth of July weekend that followed, that relaxed celebration felt especially fitting — a reminder that some of the most meaningful anniversaries are the ones where simple moments add up into something memorable.