Barbara Wallace couldn't think of a single reason why she was receiving a letter from the governor's office when she checked her mail one morning earlier this summer.

"It just didn't make sense. Why in the world would the governor be writing to us?" she said.

Opening the envelope, Wallace read what turned out to be the first of several surprises she and husband Clyde would receive to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Gov. Nathan Deal had sent the couple a congratulatory letter to mark the occasion. Over the next few weeks, the couple also received letters from President Barack Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.

"Isn't that amazing? And it's their real signatures," Wallace said.

Married on June 4, 1961 in Gainesville, the Wallaces were introduced by family members and moved to Dawsonville about three months after the wedding.

The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage June 5 at a golden anniversary party thrown by their nieces at Harmony Baptist Church.

More than 300 family members and friends attended the ceremony.

"It made me feel so loved to have so many people come out," Wallace said.

As part of the festivities, the couple was also presented with a resolution by Sen. Steve Gooch, recognizing and commending the 50th anniversary.

"Clyde and Barbara Wallace are congratulated on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extended sincere best wishes for many more happy years together," Gooch said in the resolution.

After five decades of marriage, Wallace said compromise is the secret to their success.

"It's give and take. That's the secret. You have to give and take," she said.