First marriage of 2008

Orr surprises unsuspecting couple

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

In a surprise ceremony at his office this morning, January 2, Cook County Clerk David Orr married the first couple of 2008 at 9:30 a.m. Malkia Davis and Marc Chambers took their vows in front of the cameras in a tradition dating back to 1991. This was the 18th consecutive surprise “First Marriage” performed by Orr.

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, of Arlington Heights, were showered with gifts from local businesses, including Petterino’s of Lettuce Entertain You, The Palmer House Hilton and the Goodman Theater. The Smartbride.TV website also presented the couple with champagne, a limo and wedding cake.

Clerk Orr then witnessed the couple update their voter registrations. Mr. Chambers recently moved to suburban Cook from the city of Chicago and Mrs. Chambers changed her surname. The “first couple” is now officially registered to vote, and can cast their ballots for the upcoming February 5 presidential primary. The last date to register to vote is January 8, and Early Voting for the primary begins on January 14.

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers met last summer at a picnic, where it was ‘love at first sight.’ Mr. Chambers, age 40, is a technician for Verizon, and Mrs. Chambers is a graduate student in psychology at Roosevelt.

For more information about the Cook County Clerk’s office and marriage licenses, visit our Vital Records page. For voter registration and election information go to www.voterinfonet.com.

See a photo of the new couple by clicking on the link below.