The Gulf- Okaloosa Island

On the Eve of Forever

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

How We Came To Be

We were both in the early years of our Air Force careers. It was May 2015 in Biloxi, MS. Deion was at Undergraduate Cyber Training and Shauna was at Financial Management Training. With both of us loving the game of basketball 🏀, we bumped into each other at the gym. He was walking out the door from just playing a few pick-up games, and she was just coming into the gym to play. We had a mutual friend in common (many mutual friends as time would reveal), who was in the same training class as Shauna, and who had also graduated with Deion at the Air Force Academy. The two recognized each other and said hello, then Shauna was introduced to Deion for just that moment....that was it. We said "hi" at the doorway of the gym, then went our separate ways.

The Beginning

Fast forward to about a year and a half later in Fall of 2016, and we reconnected in Dayton, OH at our next Air Force assignments. Here is where our friendship grew and we started a solid foundation.&nbsp;With both of us being on the base basketball team and having similar friend groups, we kept running into each other. We then started to coach youth basketball together (Shauna being the head coach and having winning seasons!!) Though in natural Deion fashion, he was by her side as the assistant coach, helping every step of the way. Always there when needed. As our friendship grew, we cherished many fun times together in Ohio. Though with being in the Air Force, Shauna's time in Ohio was up only after a year and a half and it was time to move to Washington D.C.

The Re-Uniting

After graduating from her Master's Degree program, which Deion showed up to support at graduation 😊, Shauna moved to Washington DC. Over the next three years, we stayed in contact with each other. Deion eventually moved to Florida in November 2020 for his next Air Force assignment, then four months later, she arrived to Florida as well for her next Air Force assignment.

Staying Connected 

With both of us being in the same location again, we thought this was our chance for us. After many long days and nights, Deion finally asked Shauna to be his girlfriend on January 11th, 2022. She happily said yes! At this point, we've known each other for over 5 years, so he was no stranger and she genuinely liked him 🥰. Our relationship blossomed as we continued to grow our bond, experiencing life together on amazing trips, and getting to meet each other's families. We even endured two years of long distance, as the Air Force moved her to Texas in March 2023. As God would have it though, we grew closer during those two years, seeing each other every month 🛫

The Relationship

It was Valentine's weekend, Shauna was back in Florida and just KNEW this was going to be when Deion popped the question! We went out to dinner on Valentine's day and had a nice romantic evening, nails were done and she was ready. But Valentine's day came and went, leaving her to think, hmmm...."What is taking him so long??" LOL! So the day after Valentine's day, we went out for brunch and did some shopping, nothing out of the ordinary. BUT the entire day, Deion kept talking about the weather and how it was so gloomy that day 🧐. As we were on our way to the house, the skies started to clear up, then he takes an abrupt b-line at the stop light to make a turn for the beach suddenly. At this moment, she knew!! We get to the beach and we're walking along the water in the sand all romantically, then he takes her hand, gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him! FINALLY!! Of course she says yes! 💍

The Proposal

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotel Accomodations

Emerald Grande is where the wedding will be hosted. For an easy walk to the wedding and reception, book your stay here. When calling to reserve, mention you are attending the Young-Hardy wedding to receive a discounted rate. The below link provides information and rates for the different room types.

Emerald Grande

A room block has been reserved for guests. This hotel has complimentary breakfast and free parking on site. When booking, guests will not be charged until arrival. Click the link below to reserve with the Young-Hardy wedding block.

Hampton Inn & Suites Destin

This hotel is right on the Emerald Coast, where you can walk outside your room and be steps from the beach! A room block has been reserved. Use code Young-Hardy wedding. Complimentary breakfast is provided and the parking fee is waived. Book by March 13th, 2026 to reserve your room.

Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach

Other Hotel Accomodations

There are many other hotel and resort options in the Destin, FL area! Guests are not required to stay at the listed options above and can stay at any hotel or resort of their choice.

Airports

If traveling by air, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the closest airport to Emerald Grande.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

If looking for a secondary airport option, the Pensacola International Airport is about an hour and a half from Emerald Grande.

Pensacola International Airport

Travel

HarborWalk Village is Destin's playground for entertainment, on the water activities, shopping, and drinks &amp; dining.

HarborWalk Village

Explore the wonders of ocean life through unique and memorable experiences and check out the dolphin oasis and animal exhibits.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Crab Island is one Destin's top attractions! It's not an actual island, but rather a submerged sand bar where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and have fun in the sun!

Crab Island

Explore an award-winning lineup of stores and restaurants and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this outdoor shopping center.

Destin Commons

Shop until your heart's content at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, which has name brand and designer outlet stores.

Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Experience the legacy of military aviation with the extensive collection of aircraft and armament. Dive into the stories behind the technology and bravery that shaped our skies.

Air Force Armament Museum

The Gulf Breeze Zoo offers animal encounters through observation and interaction! See the animals in their habitats while strolling through the park or on board a safari line train.

Gulf Breeze Zoo

Look no further for family entertainment! This park includes state of the art arcades, 4-D movie theater, laser tag, 18 hole mini golf, 60 ft ropes course, bungee trampoline, mini golf carts, and bumber boat pool.

Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

Fun is elevated to the next level at this family fun park! From go karts, to amusement rides to arcade games and mini golf, this destination will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Shauna & Deion

Shauna & Deion

Q + A

What is the dress code?

When is the last day to RSVP?

What are your wedding colors?

Is transportation needed?

Is parking available at the wedding venue?

Are kids invited?

Can I bring a plus one?

What time should I arrive?