There is a theory that throughout our lives we will only truly fall in love three times, at three different stages of life, each time serving three very different purposes. This is known as the Three Love Theory.

The first love is the one-dimensional love. It is all-consuming; it’s our introduction to the feeling itself, the first time we experience romantic love. This is the love that occupies your thoughts, allows you to compromise your values and teaches you the brutal reality of heartbreak. We enter into this relationship with the belief that this will be our one and only love, despite whether or not it feels right.

The second love is the hard love, followed by the third: unconditional love. This love is when you emotionally accept and love the other person’s flaws as much as their strengths. It involves security. It’s a relationship where you feel safe, safe to be yourself down to your grossest habits, safe to make mistakes without judgement, and safe from criticism.

Mikaela referenced this Three Love Theory in her vows, noting that, in rarity, one person had been her three different loves. Their lives have taken turns, they’ve grown, sometimes together and sometime separately, until finally they found themselves back together, this time for that unconditional, commitment kind of forever love.

They met in high school, freshman year. They had a lot of mutual friends and began their own friendship, which turned into dating their sophomore year. Life took them in separate ways for years and their first real date, now as adults, was their senior year of college. “He took me on our first date to Baroncini in downtown Iowa City. I remember feeling super loved be the amazing conversations we were having. I also remember really enjoying our time together,” Mikaela said.

It was before that date though when Mikaela knew he was the one. “It was before we had even started dating again. I remember coming to him needing comfort and someone to talk to and he was there. Not only was he there to comfort me, he was there to really listen to me as well. This made me realize he really cared for me and my well being and I knew I was falling in love with him all over again.” 
I knew their wedding would be a joyful, fun day, but was still blown away by how kind and wonderful their families and friends were! Mikaela and Sam are truly some of the most considerate, caring people I’ve ever met and it was such an honor to document their wedding day for them.

Mikaela shared a first look with her dad, followed by a first look with Sam.

Mikaela’s gown was the perfect summer wedding dress. Light and flowy, the perfect amount of detailing without being heavy on beading, and perfectly fitted to her body.

Remember Abel? He joined us for some photos as well as being the honorary ringdog in the ceremony. I’m telling you, this dog smiles. Look at his face!

It’s mid-July in Iowa, which typically means we are heavy on the humidity and heat. In the best twist of fate, Saturday brought cloudy skies and a high of mid-70s!! It was perfect for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour (not to mention photos!).

We didn’t have a sunset that night (it remained cloudy all day), but we still stepped outside during the reception for some extra photos, a perfect little break-away before dancing started.

This guest list knew how to party and the dance floor was A BLAST!!!!

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Soiree Wedding Planning

Florals: Hydrangea Bloom

Cake Artist: Deluxe Cakes & Pastries

Venue & Catering: Hyatt Regency Coralville

DJ & Decor: Unique Events

Makeup & Hair: Stephanie Mueller

Paper Suite: Allegra

Bridal Gown: Brides by Jessa

Maids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal

Suits: Von Maur