Lesbian couple makes history as Chicago's first marriage of 2026

Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune on Jan 2, 2026

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CHICAGO — Elizabeth Branske rescheduled her first date with her now-wife, Melissa Nunez, three times before they met up at Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square two years ago.

The wait ended up being worth it, though, Branske said. It was the most fun she’d ever had on a first date. Nunez wasn’t intimidated by her competitiveness at games, and they stayed up late talking about almost everything. Nunez, meanwhile, felt like she was “floating on clouds” and appreciated Branske seeing through her shyness.

“That’s just kind of been our whole relationship, just being able to talk to each other and be open and no judgment,” Branske, 27, said.

On Friday morning, Branske and Nunez, 25, became the first couple to marry in Cook County in 2026, a milestone they and their families celebrated with kisses and cheers. Branske wore a red dress and a sparkling ring on her finger, while Nunez donned a coordinating red sweater.

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon officiated the ceremony at the downtown office, asking them to love, honor and support each other before pronouncing them married. They also shared a toast. The clerk’s office is the official record keeper for marriages across the county.

“I believe in love. I believe in forever love,” Gordon said. “And I’m looking at you too, and I’m like this is going to last forever.”

Nunez applied for the coveted — and competitive — first marriage license as a surprise for Branske. They never thought they would win, though. After all, more than 1,000 Chicago-area couples entered this year’s lottery, the highest number of entries ever received.

So it wasn’t surprising when another couple initially won the lottery. But when they withdrew from the contest, Nunez and Branske, who live in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, received the “awesome” phone call informing them that they were the new winners.

Branske and Nunez are also the first lesbian couple to ever win, officials said.

“I think that’s really cool,” Branske said of the milestone. “2026 is supposed to be a year of love and prosperity, so I’m excited to see what it has in store.”

They spent about two weeks preparing for the ceremony. One of Branske’s best friends, Jen Guzman, said Friday that their marriage is “meant to be.” She was the first person her friend told about her engagement in September. Guzman joked that she missed her call at first, but immediately dialed back when Branske texted “911.”

“They’ve always been going through some things, struggling, and have never had time for themselves,” Guzman said. “It’s just like, after all the struggle, the negativity, they finally have a happy ending.”

Branske’s 11-year-old son also said he’s “excited.” The couple said they hope to have more children together in the future. Nunez works at Home Depot and Branske as a hairstylist.

The couple met on the dating app Tinder about two years ago. Branske said she was blindly swiping and, by luck, she found Nunez. Nunez, however, said Branske looked beautiful and that she was shocked when they were matched.

They always had fun on dates. Nunez fondly remembers their second date playing mini golf, where she tried and failed to beat Branske. They also have a tradition of going to Lollapalooza together. Nunez loves Branske’s positive attitude, while Branske said she appreciates that Nunez “gives everything” to show she cares.

They bought rings months ahead of time after talking about getting engaged. Branske said it took “everything in me” not to show her then-girlfriend the ring before they enjoyed a quiet proposal at home.

After Friday’s ceremony, the new couple walked away with gifts from local businesses, including a hotel stay at the Ritz-Carlton and flowers from LaSalle Flower Group. A honeymoon and reception for their large family is in the works for next year, Branske said.

“We’re happy, excited to start this next chapter,” Branske said. “I never thought I’d get married. So to anybody who thinks that way now, remember that it’ll happen.”

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