Friends and relatives gathered at the Japanese Gardens for a celebratory luncheon where many reminisced about the day 50 years ago and had a nice "catch up" with the happy couple.

Ray and Lyn were both teachers and long-time residents of Cowra and relocated to Brisbane in April this year.

They were married in St Raphael's Catholic Church on August 27, 1966 and returned to the church 50 years later where Father Lawrie Beath highlighted the anniversary at Saturday evening Mass and gave them a special blessing.