Melissa Nunez and Elizabeth Branske, a lesbian couple from Humboldt Park, made history by becoming the first same-sex couple in Cook County to get married in 2026. The newlyweds exchanged vows at the Cook County Clerk's office in the Loop, marking the county's first marriage of the year.
The couple won the annual lottery just days before their wedding, a surprise twist that made Branske say she no longer needed a grand proposal. "I wanted a big proposal and a big wedding," she said, "but after winning this, I think this is a big enough gesture of love."
Nunez and Branke met on a dating app two years ago and got engaged in September. They entered the lottery together as a last-minute decision made by Nunez, who surprised Branske with the news. The couple said they never imagined they would win.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon officiated their ceremony, which was attended by family and friends. The newlyweds received gifts from various Chicago establishments, including a one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton and a gourmet dinner gift box.
The couple's victory marks a milestone in their journey as a same-sex couple in Cook County. Last year, a gay couple became the first same-sex couple to get married in the new year. Branske said she thinks it's "really cool" and an "awesome way to start our marriage."
For Nunez, who has an 11-year-old son, getting married is about building a strong foundation for their future together. The couple plans to celebrate with a larger reception and honeymoon later and focus on building their careers before expanding their family.
"I think that's really cool," Branske said of becoming the first same-sex couple in Cook County to get married in 2026. "And I think that's an awesome way to start our marriage in such a milestone that we'll celebrate every year."
The couple won the annual lottery just days before their wedding, a surprise twist that made Branske say she no longer needed a grand proposal. "I wanted a big proposal and a big wedding," she said, "but after winning this, I think this is a big enough gesture of love."
Nunez and Branke met on a dating app two years ago and got engaged in September. They entered the lottery together as a last-minute decision made by Nunez, who surprised Branske with the news. The couple said they never imagined they would win.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon officiated their ceremony, which was attended by family and friends. The newlyweds received gifts from various Chicago establishments, including a one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton and a gourmet dinner gift box.
The couple's victory marks a milestone in their journey as a same-sex couple in Cook County. Last year, a gay couple became the first same-sex couple to get married in the new year. Branske said she thinks it's "really cool" and an "awesome way to start our marriage."
For Nunez, who has an 11-year-old son, getting married is about building a strong foundation for their future together. The couple plans to celebrate with a larger reception and honeymoon later and focus on building their careers before expanding their family.
"I think that's really cool," Branske said of becoming the first same-sex couple in Cook County to get married in 2026. "And I think that's an awesome way to start our marriage in such a milestone that we'll celebrate every year."
Getting married is such a special moment, and they must've been totally overwhelmed with emotions when Monica Gordon officiated their ceremony 
. I mean, can you even imagine winning the lottery just days before your big day? 
That's like a dream come true, right? 
. And who cares about the milestone aspect? It's just a celebration of their love for each other 
!
. This is so cool for them, it's amazing that they could finally tie the knot after being together for two years. I guess you never really know what life has in store, but winning the lottery just in time was definitely a nice bonus 
.
Can you believe it, they won the lottery days before their wedding and that just made the whole thing even more special! 
just saw this news and i'm literally so happy for melissa & elizabeth!! they deserve all the love 
which made them not need a grand proposal. gotta say, it's awesome to see cook county marking its first marriage of the year with this milestone. i'm also loving their down-to-earth approach to building a future together 
