BETHLEHEM, Pa. — There's a tune commonly sung on New Year's Eve, in between sips of champagne and embraces with loved ones:
"For auld lang syne, my jo/For auld lang syne/We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet/For auld lang syne."
The song, "Auld Lang Syne," is a poem originally written in the Scots dialect, and reflects on honoring the past, cherishing meaningful relationships and making sure those ties aren't lost as time goes on.
This year, at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, one family will raise their glasses not only to a new year, but to a remarkable legacy — a celebration of three generations of nuptials in the same place.
On Monday, Dec. 30, surrounded by nearly 50 family and friends, Diane Myer and Jason Powell sealed their love with a kiss at 1741 on the Terrace in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem — just as their forebears did.
'The best person I know'
Myer and Powell said they met at a work function in 2022, and closed down two bars on their first date.
"He is the best person I know," a dignified Myer said while getting ready in her bridal suite on the hotel's fourth floor.
Her soon-to-be mother-in-law, Susan Powell, looked on lovingly, holding Myer's veil in her hands.
"I just love her. I mean, how could anyone not?"Susan Powell, speaking about her daughter in law
"I just love her," Powell said. "I mean, how could anyone not?"
For Powell, the day was special; not only was it the day when she got to watch her firstborn marry the love of his life, it also was a day she gets to walk down memory lane. (Or "memory aisle," if you will.)
Powell recalled a day in the 1970s, when she, adorned with a fancy hat and a tiny baby bump, said "I do" to her high school sweetheart, Allan.
They walked down the very same steps that her son and Myer stood on to take their photos on their wedding day.
The woman second to the right in the photo is Sandra, Powell's mother and the one who started it all.
'Truly a Hallmark Christmas movie'
The year was 1965. Sandra Yeakel's husband, Dallas, was a rock-star trumpet player, touring with the likes of The Carpeteners, Tom Jones and Sonny & Cher, leaving her and their two young children at home.
"I thought there had to be more to life than taking care of children and cleaning the house," she said. "So I started [Bridals by Sandra] as a hobby."
A $2,000 loan later, Bridals by Sandra was up and running in Nazareth. Since then it has grown to be among the Lehigh Valley's premier bridal and formal wear shops.
In the 1970s, Bridals by Sandra began a partnership with Historic Hotel Bethlehem by appearing in its Welcome Wagons, which were pop-up bridal shows the hotel would hold throughout the year.
By that time, Susan Powell was old enough to accompany her mom to the shows and revel at the gorgeous gowns on display.
She told her mom, "I wanted a Christmas wedding."
She almost got it: She and Allan Powell were married on Nov. 19, 1978. Her sister, Tracy, would wed there, too, on June 20, 2004. Same with Amy, Powell's daughter.
"It's truly a Hallmark Christmas movie," Powell said.
"Look at the place!" Yeakel said. "It seems to be good luck to be married here."
'Flower granny'
After nearly 40 years of owning and operating Bridals by Sandra, Yeakel has transitioned into a new role: being flower granny at her grandson's wedding.
Yeakel sat patiently outside of the ballroom doors, holding a basket of faux flower petals.
She looked around and observed the commotion around her: food carts darting back and forth, relatives chatting, walkie-talkies sounding off.
It didn't faze her.
Suddenly, a hand tapped her on her shoulder. She turned to see her beloved grandson, all smiles in his white tuxedo. She laughed, and he touched his forehead to hers.
"We'll take a cup o' kindness yet/For auld lang syne."
