Written by: Hannah Huston

Love is in the air at Iowa Law! Over the years, many of our alumni have met not just classmates, but lifelong partners during their time at the College of Law. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating those special connections. Read on to discover how some of our Law Hawks found their soulmates at Iowa Law—and head over to our Facebook post to see even more stories (and add yours if you have one!). 

Brie Hilton (09JD) and Tim Hilton (09JD) 

Brie and Tim met in 2007 while studying for finals. Today, they have been married for 15 years, and have two children and four pets.

Chris Sorenson (15JD) and Alexandra Sorenson (15JD) 

Chris and Alexandra met on the first day of their 1L year in Levitt Auditorium while waiting to take composite photos. Now married for 10 years, they share two sons and are both partners at the same Kansas City law firm.

Kim Kline (17JD) and Peter Kline (17JD) 

Kim and Peter met as 1Ls in 2014 and were married in Iowa City in 2020. They now live and practice law in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jack Hatanpa (23JD) and Jenna Hatanpa (23JD)

Jack and Jenna met in 2020 when they were in the same 1L section. They were recently married in the fall!

Tia Smith (23JD) and Matthew Fuentes (23JD)

Tia and Matthew met in 2021 during the second semester of their 1L year. They got engaged in October 2025.

Patrick Fontana (24JD) and Anelisa Gamiz Sandoval (24JD) 

Patrick and Anelisa met when they both joined the Iowa Law Review as editors.

Makayla Bruno-Smith (26JD) and Jaycie Owens (24JD) 

Makayla met Jaycie when she was a 1L, and Jaycie was a 3L. They are now engaged!

Ashlyn Koontz (26JD) and David Franco Mesa (25JD)

Ashlyn and David met while serving as student ambassadors at Iowa Law. They just got engaged this month!