In April of 2016, Allie and Derek found themselves on a friend/Groupon trolley. With no reason at all, the two found themselves sitting side by side and getting to know each other throughout the entire 3 hour ride amidst co-workers, friends, the Chicago skyline and flowing beer and wine. Fast forward to a week later, and they're inseparable, and exclusive. Apparently there is something to that saying of, "when you know you know!"

What began as a simple Derek and Allie date night, ended in the most special of surprises. Walking along the River Walk to City Winery, Allie and Derek turn a corner, and without hesitation, Derek turns Allie around facing him and gets down on one knee. Amidst it all, Derek's sister, Kadre and Allie's sister, Maggie, run out to catch up and take pictures of the candid and surprising moment! There's a lot of crying (mostly Allie), hugging and picture taking with neither recollecting what the other had said. After the proposal, Allie and Derek head to a River Dome at City Winery for some celebratory drinks and appetizers, soaking in the moment. After City Winery, Derek leads Allie to the last surprise of the night, dinner at River Roast with his and her family - The Bannick's came all the way from Minnesota!