Julia Rae, a former contestant on The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart, exchanged vows with her beloved Matt Lucido in an elegant ceremony that celebrated their unique love story. The couple chose the historic Masonic Temple at ONE North Broad in Philadelphia for their black-and-white-themed wedding. Prior to the event, they organized a mini-golf welcome party to commemorate how they first met while golfing in Venice, California. Looking forward, both partners are excited about the next chapters of their lives, including career advancements and starting a family.
The Journey to Forever: A Love Story Begins on the Golf Course
In March 2022, fate brought Julia Rae and Matt Lucido together during an impromptu round of golf at Penmar Golf Course in Venice, California. This chance encounter sparked an immediate connection between the two. They decided to celebrate this pivotal moment by hosting a mini-golf welcome party before their wedding. The event featured custom caddie suits and recreated the atmosphere of their initial meeting, highlighting the significance of golf in their relationship.
Rae and Lucido’s journey began when they were paired up for a casual nine-hole game before work. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, leading to an instant mutual attraction. After exchanging numbers and enjoying their first date later that night, the couple’s bond grew stronger over time. On February 9, 2023, Lucido proposed to Rae at Alila Ventana Big Sur in California, marking the beginning of their new chapter together. The proposal included a special appearance by Rae’s rescue dog, Boo Radley, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion.
An Unforgettable Wedding: Glamour Meets Tradition
On December 31, 2023, Julia Rae and Matt Lucido celebrated their union in a glamorous “old Hollywood”-themed wedding attended by 140 guests, including notable figures such as Eva Pilgrim from Good Morning America and film director Balbinka Korzeniowska. The couple chose the grand Masonic Temple at ONE North Broad in Philadelphia for its majestic architecture and historical significance. Rae emphasized the importance of surrounding themselves with loved ones as they embarked on this new chapter of life.
The ceremony took place in Corinthian Hall, where the couple exchanged traditional vows under Latin lettering reading “Fiat Lux,” meaning “Let there be light.” This choice held deep personal significance for Rae, whose future last name, Lucido, means “of Light.” Chris Watson, winner of The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart, officiated the wedding and performed an original song during the ceremony. For the recessional, he sang “All You Need is Love,” paying homage to one of the couple’s favorite films, Love Actually. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails in Foyer Under the Stars before moving to the Grand Ballroom for the reception. The ballroom’s stunning stained-glass windows and bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin created an elegant ambiance, enhanced by candlelight. Rae wore two bridal gowns, one inspired by Grace Kelly and another reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, ensuring she looked radiant throughout the evening. The celebration concluded with a New Year’s Day farewell brunch at the Notary Hotel, setting the stage for their honeymoon adventures in Vancouver and the Maldives.