There was barely enough time to get cold feet.
Jacqueline Cruz and Miguel Cruz were issued the first Cook County marriage license of 2011 on Monday, and carried on a 20 year tradition by getting married on the spot.
Cook County Clerk David Orr did the honors and a judge waived the 24-hour waiting period.
"One of my favorite jobs as County Clerk is to start the year with a beautiful marriage," said Orr, the only Illinois clerk with the authority to perform marriages.
The process is even simpler for Jacqueline Cruz because she won't have to change her last name. The couple already shared the same name, although they are not related -- until now.
The Cruzes have two children, have been dating since 1997 and actually attended the same elementary and high school, although they never met until years later.
They received a number of donated gifts including a complimentary weekend for two at the Palmer House Hilton, a $50 gift certificate to Frankie's Scaloppine restaurant and two tickets to "God of Carnage" at the Goodman Theatre.
