THE average Australian marriage in modern times lasts about seven years, which makes a 60-year marriage an even rarer and more special achievement than it once was.Yesterday in Wagga two couples celebrated the diamond milestone, and in an even more uncanny twist, they had wed in the very same Wagga church one after the other when their journeys together began.John and Gloria Beck celebrated their anniversary with a family get-together at their daughter Leanne's house last night and both fondly remembered their wedding day at St John's Church - a ceremony that took place just before Marie and Mick Thomson's."It was a very, very hot day - I think it was something like 115 degrees (farenheit, a little over 45 degrees celcius)," John said."We went first but yes it was certainly on the same day, at the same church," Gloria said of sharing the couple's big day with the Thomsons.And while the Thomsons were not available to speak to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, the Becks had some excellent advice for today's newly weds wishing to experience a relationship of similar longevity to their 60 years."The keys are understanding each other and don't be frightened to say sorry when things don't go good," John said.Giving a gift on special occasions to keep your beau sweet can't hurt either and the Becks showed with their anniversary presents for each other that romance was still alive and well even after six decades of marriage.John gave his wife a diamond ring and Gloria gave her husband a watch."It's been 60 fantastic years," said Gloria, content in her lounge chair.