Overview
- Melissa Nunez and Elizabeth Branske, a Humboldt Park couple, were married Friday at the Cook County Clerk’s downtown office after receiving the first marriage license of 2026.
- Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon officiated the ceremony at 69 W. Washington St. in the Loop.
- The couple was selected through the annual lottery after the initially chosen winners withdrew, according to county officials.
- The 35th annual drawing attracted nearly 1,000 entrants, marking a record for the event.
- The newlyweds received a donated prize package that included a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, a Cooper’s Hawk wine basket, gourmet items from Whittingham Meats, an Eli’s Cheesecake gift card, dance and cooking lessons, floral arrangements, and Laugh Factory tickets.