WAYCROSS — As fate would have it, two high school classmates separated following their high school graduation re-connected.
Ande Jones and Braxton Brock met in the Ware County High School Marching Band. Two years ago, the pair reconnected on social media and began dating.
The dating led to an engagement and then marriage. The Saturday, January 25, 2025 wedding in front of family and friends was held in Patterson at Eagle Station (former Patterson High School).
The bride wore an off the shoulder white gown from David’s Bridal in Jacksonville, Fla., and veil with sparkles on the end to match the bottom of the dress.
“It was the first dress I tried on,” said Mrs. Brock. “There was some tulle (stiff, fine netting often used to make gowns and wedding veils) going down and lace up top, and then the off the shoulder sleeves is what kind of brought it all together.
“I was very nervous, but it just fit me perfectly. There was nothing else I really liked. So the fact that it was the first one just made it perfect. I’m very basic. I didn’t want a lot going on.”
The brides’ bouquet, boutonnieres and wrist corsages were done by Natailie’s Flowers of Waycross.
“I told her my concepts of what I would like and she put it together,” said Mrs. Brock. “We did like the two main colors, with the white mixed in and a lot of greenery.”
The mother of the bride, Christine Jones, wore a navy blue gown with scattered pearl beading from Burlington in Jacksonville, Fla. The mother of the groom, Connie Whipple, wore a periwinkle blue gown with jeweled neckline and sleeve trim.
The Maid of Honor, Kasie Jones and bridesmaids Kenzee Pafford and Jessie Jones wore classic style gowns in a lush cranberry.
“All three of the dresses actually were the same type of dress, but you can wear them in different ways.,” said Mrs. Brock. “Kasi she just did a one shoulder. Her bouquet was just a smaller version of mine.”
Calvin Reed was the Best Man. He grew up with the groom.
Following the wedding ceremony, guests were treated to a reception in the Eagles Station auditorium catered by Twisted Sisters of Blackshear.
The cake was done by Heidi Bennett, a family friend, who bakes gluten free items. There was also an assortment of cupcakes.
Music was provided by family friend Brian Varnadore and photos were taken by photographer Holly Broadhead.
The couple took a brief honeymoon over to Jekyll Island before returning to their lives in Waycross. Mrs. Brock works at Sheffield’s Coffee Company. Mr. Brock returned to Ruskin Elementary where he is a paraprofessional.
