For a Lehighton couple, it was a return to where it all began.

All the way back on Dec. 31, 1949, at LaRose’s Skating Rink in Lehighton.

Over seven decades later, Plair and Carolyn (LaRose) Koch recently celebrated their 70-year wedding anniversary at the rink, where they got married Aug. 26, 1950.

“Their reception was at the rink,” said daughter Brenda Artz. “So we are coming full circle where it all began.”

Arndt said a total of 25 family members attended, as did state Rep. Doyle Heffley, who presented the couple with a citation.

“It went great,” she said. “That’s why I did the party here, because that’s where it all began.”

Artz said the family chose to hold the celebration at the rink, the exact same place the couple’s wedding reception was held 70 years earlier.

The wedding party consisted of Carl Gross, best man; James Behler; Herbert LaRose; Anna LaRose, maid of honor; and LaRue Highland.

Plair, 91, is the son of the late William B. Koch, who died in 1930, and the late Harry and Mary (Beidleman) Koch Highland. Carolyn, 87, is the daughter of the late Morris and Grace (Frable) LaRose.

The couple has five children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Carolyn’s uncle Franklin Frable also attended.