Aisha Buford-Morrison and Terrell Johnson, a South Chicago couple, began 2025 with a truly unforgettable event: they were married as the first couple to receive a marriage certificate in Cook County. Winning a lottery held by Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, their wedding took place on Thursday at the George W. Dunne Cook County Office Building. Over 200 couples entered the contest, making their win all the more special.
Their love story began in 2019 on Tinder. After a month-long online courtship filled with shared video games like Grand Theft Auto and Mario Kart, and anime viewing sessions, they finally met in person. For Buford-Morrison, it was a first date that exceeded all expectations, and for Johnson, it was a moment he described as time-stopping. He recalled, “When I seen her, time stopped. That was the best moment of my life.” Their relationship blossomed, filled with beach walks, bike rides, and a mutual growth that strengthened their bond.
Johnson proposed in August 2022, but postponed his plans due to the declining health of Buford-Morrison’s grandmother, who passed away later that year. He ultimately proposed the following August, on the anniversary of their first date, at the same park where they first met. While they initially planned a May wedding, the lottery win expedited their plans.
The ceremony itself was filled with joy and emotion. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows in front of a “Just Married” backdrop, sharing kisses and posing for photographs. The proud parents, David Morrison and Toyothy Whitfield, expressed their overwhelming happiness and surprise. Buford-Morrison’s mother, Pat Morrison, recounted their initial shock at receiving the winning call on December 27th, while Johnson’s mother, Whitfield, admitted to being asleep after an overnight shift when the news arrived.
Beyond the marriage certificate, the winning couple also received a range of prizes from contest sponsors, including cooking lessons, wedding dance lessons, and comedy show tickets. The happy couple are now looking forward to a reception with family and friends, and a well-deserved honeymoon later in the year. Their unexpected start to 2025 serves as a heartwarming testament to their love and a charming beginning to their married life.