Marietta natives Maryann and Arnold Parris celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13. Married Aug. 13, 1959, both graduated from Marietta High School but didn't date until some years later.

During the anniversary weekend that was full of surprises, Arnold shared with grandchildren his vivid memory of seeing Maryann for the first time since high school graduation. She walked across the mezzanine at Lockheed, where they both worked, and Arnold recalled his thought, "that is the most beautiful woman in the world walking towards me," only quickly to realize they knew each other. And the rest was history.

Maryann found 50 long stem roses on her breakfast table last Thursday morning and a special golden charm to complete her journey bracelet. The couple enjoyed dinner at The Palm in Buckhead Friday night with children and grandchildren, and entertained the family for brunch at their home on Sunday.

The children and grandchildren created a "Golden Garden" for Parrises at their Marietta home in honor of this wonderful milestone. Each grandchild made a steppingstone that was placed in the garden.

The Parrises' children are: Boyd A. Parris III of Atlanta and Ken Parris and Annamarie Parris Granros, both of Marietta. They have seven grandchildren who live in Athens and Marietta.

Jennifer and Matthew Smith celebrated the beginning of the school year by hosting a family pool party for a small group of friends on Aug. 8.

Among the families attending were: Susan and Michael Kahn, Janet and Mark Knautz, Christine and Shaun Priest, Kathy and Dave Smith, Carla and Houston Snavely, Nancy and Michael Syrop and Karen and John Thornburgh.

This Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at dk Gallery, is Jazz Friday. This month's Jazz Friday, benefiting the Wellstar Foundation's Women in Philanthropy, features a mixed media group show with Lance Carlson, Helen DeRamus, Armor Keller, Kathy Meliopoulos, Carolyn Schlam, Ebeth Scott-Sinclair and Aviva Stern.

Dk Gallery is located at 25 West Park Square on the Marietta Square. For more information, call (770) 427-7377 or visit www.dkgallery.us.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit@ bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.