A Royal Wedding in Waitsburg

It's pretty rare to find a party in full swing at 3 a.m. at the house of Joan Helm, but that was the case last Friday night (Saturday morning?). And this wasn't the first time it has happened. Helm hosted a similar party in May of 2011, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton. Helm, who recalls staying up to watch the royal wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981, maintained her tradition of royal wedding celebrations by hosting another Royal Wedding Party last week as Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle. Nearly a dozen ladies gathered together in the wee morning hours to celebrate the royal union. Attendees were given nametags with their "English" names; "Lady," followed by their grandmother's first name, childhood pet name and childhood street name. They also received wedding Bingo cards and royal family face masks. The table was laden with brunch items, coffee, tea, and, of course, sparkling cider to toast the royal couple following the ceremony. In this photo, members of the actual Royal Family showed up at the party.

Back row (l to r): Joan Helm, Doris Huffman, Jeanetta Monfort, Carol Guay, Judy Baker, Jackie Helm. Front row (l to r): Judy Gross, Deanne Johnson, Karen Gregutt, Marilyn Johnson, Pat Largent, Pam Conover.