Samantha and Joshua Campbell, Aurora residents, were both married June 20 at Chet and Judy Albright Park in Ward 6 on the west side of Aurora. The couple grew up in the Aurora area, Joshua graduating from West Aurora and Samantha from Kaneland. The location was a fitting place for the couple because the park is named after Samantha’s grandparents, Chet and Judy Albright.
Chet was the first Aurora alderman for the 6th ward; the alderman prior to Mike Saville. Chet passed in 2017 and Judy in 2020, but their legacy lives on in the improved area. The park, dedicated in 2023 was a welcomed improvement in the neighborhood to celebrate the two active community members.
“There is something beautiful in the dichotomy of humanity – how these people were so influential on the community to have a park in their honor, largely based on their professional accomplishments, and now a wedding has taken place in that same space in remembrance of familial accomplishments,” Samantha said. “Perhaps though, its not a dichotomy, and its simply being a generous, caring person all-around that builds a life that lives beyond your own – because I am confident that’s what they were in both areas, and that is why I had a park to get married at.
“Growing up, I spent a significant amount of time with my grandparents. They were the pillars of our family. Coming from Mooseheart, they didn’t come from much, but they had each other, the family they built, and the community around them – they had so much to give, and an immense amount to be proud of.
“I spent more time than I could put into words at their house, and within that time I learned so much about the value of family. They had a unique perspective that isn’t always emphasized anymore, and that is to be grateful for your family, to hold them close, and to build a life that lives on beyond yourself even if that means building it from the ground up. Being generous is essential, remembering someone you only met once is important, and every “I love you” looks different and sounds different, but is just as meaningful. Looking back on my relationship with my grandparents, I think of the ways that they have impacted who I am as a person and the way that I conduct my life. The lessons that I learned from them – and quite frankly am still learning – are a treasure.”
To honor Chet and Judy, and their 56 years of marriage, the newlyweds chose to wear Chet and Judy’s wedding bands. They got them polished and engraved with the initials “A” and “C” to commemorate the two marriages that the rings will have belonged to.
— Samantha Campbell