Lesbian couple makes history in Cook County’s first wedding of 2026

As others welcomed the new year with resolutions, Melissa Nunez and Elizabeth Brenske became the first couple of 2026 to marry in Cook County.

They made history as the county’s first lesbian couple to win the annual lottery and take part in the tradition.

“I wanted a big proposal and a big wedding,” Brenske said at Friday’s ceremony, officiated by County Clerk Monica Gordon at her Loop office.

“But after winning this I don’t need a big one anymore. I think this is a big enough gesture of love,” said Brenske, 27.

The Humboldt Park couple met on a dating app two years ago and got engaged in September. A month later, Nunez, 25, surprised Brenske by entering them into the lottery.

The couple said they never imagined they would actually win.

“Another name had been pulled. But a couple hours later we got a call that they had withdrawn and we won,” Brenske said.

In addition to the ceremony, the winning couple received gifts donated by Chicago establishments: A one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a gourmet dinner gift box from Whittingham Meats, a wine basket and champagne flutes from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant and a gift card to Eli’s Cheesecake — among other gifts.

From the moment they met, Nunez said she knew she would marry Brenske.

“I knew she was the one for me,” she said.

The couple also made history as the first lesbian couple in the county to sign the first marriage license of the year. In 2022, a gay couple became the first same-sex couple to marry in the new year, according to Gordon.

“I think that’s really cool. And I think that’s an awesome way to start our marriage in such a milestone that we’ll celebrate every year,” Brenske said.

The newlyweds were joined by their family and friends. They were all smiles as the couple signed their marriage certificate.

After winning the lottery, Brenske said her first call was to her best friends.

“It’s meant to be,” said Jen Guzman, a friend of the couple. “They’ve been through ups and downs. And, after everything, they finally have their happy ending.”

The couple said they are looking forward to begin a new chapter together. They hope to celebrate with a larger reception and honeymoon in the coming years.

For now, they’re focused on building their marriage.

“Our goal is to focus on our careers and build a strong foundation for our future,” said Brenske, who has an 11-year-old son. “I already have one child, and we’d like to have more. So we want to create the foundation so we can do that.”