CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Cook County Clerk performed the first wedding ceremony of the new year Thursday morning at her office in the Daley Center.
"Are you absolutely, positively ready to do this thing?" said Clerk Karen Yarbrough.
"Yes," the couple answered.
Demarco Johnson and Jasmin Blackman showed up to the Daley Center at midnight to be the first couple in line for a marriage license. They were later married during a ceremony performed by Clerk Karen Yarbrough in front of the press.
Demarco Johnson is 28. Jasmin Blackman is 26. They have six children together and have been together since grade school. The two live on the South Side.
"Wait, wait, wait, don't kiss her yet. No kisses yet, oh my goodness," Yarbrough said.
"I'm too early, I'm sorry," Johnson said.
The crowd clapped.
Both said they were feeling great, "very married."
The second couple arrived two hours after Johnson and Blackman.