L
ictoria Jeanne Hargroder is a transfer to Destin from
Lafayette, Louisiana. She spends her days as a realtor along
the beautiful Emerald Coast with Hargroder Real Estate
Group. Shelby Linn Emrick is a Sergeant in the United States Marine
Corps, hailing from Eaton, Ohio. The two were brought together by
chance when they met at a local bar while Shelby was in the Explosive
Ordinance Disposal School in Destin. The meeting led to a courting
relationship where the couple was inseparable for the yearlong school.
After graduation Shelby was stationed in California and had training
on the east coast. It had been three months since they had seen
each other and Victoria drove to Huntsville, Alabama, so eager to be
reunited with her love. Victoria describes the proposal, “When I walked
into the hotel room there was a box on the coffee table. He waited for
me to notice it and got down on one knee, and of course I said yes!”
The wedding date was set for September 10, 2016, to be held at the
stunning bay front home of Dwayne and Anita Hargroder in Destin.
The couple chose to get married at the bride’s family home, creating
an incredibly special and unique wedding venue. “My parents worked
very hard getting their home ready for 100 guests. Shelby and I are so
appreciative for all their hard work; it was spectacular! The ceremony
was short and sweet with a few tears,” remembers Victoria. The
wedding was planned in three weeks and it was everything they wanted
and more. All of their close friends and family traveled in from Ohio
and Louisiana to celebrate with the happy couple as they committed
their love to one another.
The wedding was a combination of local touches and Louisiana flare.
Jones and Company from Destin provided the perfect entertainment
to get everyone on the dance floor all night. The photographer, caterer
and wedding cake came from Louisiana, giving the event the perfect
touch of Cajun spice. Victoria’s grandmother gave the couple a very
special gift by designing beautiful floral arrangements. Other floral
pieces were provided by local business, GG Bloom. Victoria’s something
old was the earrings she wore, her something new was her shoes, and
her something borrowed was very special, an item that belonged to
her friend that passed away. The moment that stood out the most to
Victoria on the big day was when Shelby gave her a stunning pearl
necklace she wore to the wedding. “It was such a special moment
between us; I will always cherish that moment and that gift. He is such a
good man and I feel blessed to be his wife,” said Victoria.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Photographer: Kimbrali Photography, Carencro, LA
Caterer: Brents Catering, Sunset, LA
Wedding Cake: The Sugar Plum Houma by Cindy
..............
Dugas, Houma, LA
Hair Stylist: Danielle Himel, Salon 7even
Entertainment: Cheryl Jones, Jones and Company
First Dance: At Last
Victoria Jeanne
Hargroder
Shelby Linn
Emrick
story by Courtney Murray | photography by Kimbrali Photography
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