The story began in December of 2015. Eric and Alison had exchanged a few messages through an online dating site. After some playful banter, Alison agreed to meet Eric for drinks the day after his birthday. Eric nervously entered Quigley's in Naperville to find a beautiful girl sitting at the bar. Alison greeted Eric with a smile and the two shared a few laughs and drinks. It was quite apparent a second date was on the horizon. On the way out of Quigley's, Alison nervously wondered if Eric would try to kiss her. She was old fashioned and never kissed on the first date. She was worried if he tried, and she didn't accept, she might lose him. So, she blurted out "so, hug?" and Eric laughed and said, "sure." Eric found the awkward good bye oddly endearing and couldn't wait to see her again. It was quite apparent to both of them that they had just had the last first date of their lives.

It was an abnormally warm winter day. Alison and Eric had just got home from a sunny day in the city, browsing shops and eating lunch. Eric asked Alison if she'd like to go for a walk with their dog, Haley. Nervously, Eric grabbed the ring and hid it in his coat jacket. Halfway through the walk, the sun set and Eric was worried he was going to somehow drop the ring. When the couple arrived home, Eric surprised Alison – who was carrying the mail and several packages— when he suddenly dropped to one knee in the kitchen and said, "Alison, will you marry me?"