Just days before the last weeked of October 2020, both Loyd and Allison received phone calls to be last minute hires for the Doko Rodeo in Blythewood, SC as the photographer and bullfighter.

In the hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready behind the chutes, Allison noticed a cowboy having a quiet moment in the corner saying his pre-game prayer and took advantage of the great photo-op. After saying Amen, Loyd looked up, saw the photographer, then approached her after the rodeo to inquire about purchasing photos. From there they went on, business as usual. Little did they know, this was just the beginning.

Over the next 6 months, they continued to see each other at random rodeos all across the Southeast. Allison was new to the rodeo world so Loyd was the first official friend she made in the community.

One day in April, Loyd saw Allison at a rodeo in Florence, SC. While talking, he insisted on coming to Columbia the next morning to help install a ceiling fan. What he insisted was a 30 minute task, he conveniently managed to make an all day affair! For the next two months the friendship continued until one June night, Loyd had just finished praying, asking God "to send a good woman into his life." Not ten minutes later, Allison sent him a picture of her front-row view at the Braves/Red Sox game. From that text on, Loyd turned up the charm and flirted his way from friend and handyman to something more. The two started traveling to events together, sharing long drives, early mornings, and the excitement of the rodeo life.

Our story came full circle when Loyd put a ring in his baggies, fought some bulls, then got down on one knee in the middle of the arena of that same Blythewood Rodeo where they first met 3 years prior. In front of a cheering crowd of family and friends, Allison laughed at the most steady of hands, shaking with the prettiest of rings and said "YES!"

From that first prayer captured on camera to all the miles traveled together, we haven't looked back. Our story is written in rodeo dirt, sealed with a cowboy prayer, and continues with every mile we drive and every laugh we share causing our cups to runneth over with the love and joy from God's blessings.

Registry