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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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