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Chicago couple first to wed in 2009

Clerk Orr marries first couple for 19th year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 02, 2009

Cook County Clerk David Orr today married the couple that obtained the first marriage license in the new year.

Venus Davis, 38, and Tony LeFlore, 36, both of Chicago, waited in line for an hour before the Vital Records office opened to be the first married couple of 2009. They were married in Clerk Orr's office in the traditional first marriage ceremony.

The LeFlores, avid sports fans, both work at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. They met when Tony drove his maintenance truck by Venus' booth, where she sells cotton candy, ice cream and other sweets. They can't remember the exact date, but the Sox won that day. He was attracted to her eyes and lips. She liked his smile.

They began dating in July and got engaged last month, when Tony got down on one knee and proposed at their home in Chicago's Englewood community.

"All this today makes me feel like a princess," said Venus, who takes great pride in her romantic name.

"This is a great way to start our life together," Tony said. "It's such a blessing."

Clerk Orr, the only clerk in Illinois with the authority to perform marriages, has married the couple who obtains the first marriage license for 19 consecutive years.

"Marrying the first couple is one of the best parts of my job," Orr said. "I wish them a lifetime of happiness, love and laughter."

The first marriage tradition includes showering the lucky newlyweds with gifts generously donated by local businesses. The LeFlores won a weekend stay at the Palmer House Hilton; two tickets to "Jersey Boys," courtesy of Broadway in Chicago; two tickets to "Boleros for the Disenchanted," courtesy of the Goodman Theatre; and dinner at Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant.

The Clerk's office also paid the couple's marriage license fee of $35. A Cook County judge waived the standard 24-hour waiting period so Orr could conduct the ceremony.

The Clerk's Vital Records department issues all marriage licenses in Chicago and suburban Cook County. The office issued: 33,529 in 2008; 33,853 in 2007; 35,114 in 2006; 36,491 in 2004; and 37,882 in 2003.

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