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South Shore couple rings in 2025 as Cook County's first newlyweds

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  January 2, 2025 1:23pm CST
Cook County
FOX 32 Chicago

South Shore couple rings in 2025 as Cook County's first newlyweds

A South Shore couple were the first lovebirds to tie the knot in Cook County this year.

The Brief

    • Aisha Buford-Morrison and Terrell Johnson, a South Shore couple who met on Tinder, became Cook County’s first married couple of 2025 in a ceremony officiated by Clerk Monica Gordon.
    • The couple won the Clerk’s annual marriage lottery contest, beating over 200 entries, and were celebrated with special gifts from local businesses, including gourmet food, wine, and dance lessons.
    • The ceremony marked the continuation of a cherished tradition that Clerk Gordon described as a meaningful way to begin the new year.

CHICAGO - A South Shore couple were the first lovebirds to tie the knot in Cook County this year.

Aisha Buford-Morrison, 26, and Terrell Johnson, 28, were celebrated as Cook County’s first married couple of 2025 during a special ceremony officiated by Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. 

The couple, who met on Tinder in 2019, won the Clerk’s Office annual marriage lottery contest, which received over 200 entries.

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Photos from the Cook County Clerk's Office

Surrounded by family and friends at the Clerk’s Office in downtown Chicago, the pair exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by Gordon. 

"I am thrilled to welcome the new year by continuing this cherished tradition," Gordon said. "This is such a meaningful and joyful way to begin the year, celebrating the bonds that unite us and the love that inspires us all."

The couple received the following gifts from several Chicago-area businesses:

  • A Newlywed Gourmet Dinner Gift Box including Filet Mignon, Strip Steaks, and Lobster Tails provided by Whittingham Meats
  • A sparkling wine basket and champagne flutes provided by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
  • A Gift Card provided by Eli’s Cheesecake
  • A Wedding Dance Lesson provided by Duet Dance Studio
  • A Cooking Lesson provided by The Chopping Block
  • Wedding Flower Arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group
  • Tickets to a Comedy Show provided by the Laugh Factory Chicago

The newlyweds said they are excited to start their new life together after being part of such a memorable tradition.

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