A McMaster love story

McMaster graduates Matt Kumar and Julia Luca share how Mac has played a pivotal role in their lives, their relationship and why it was the perfect place to get engaged.

McMaster holds a special place in Matt Kumar’s heart.

Born prematurely and weighing only 1 pound and roughly 12 ounces at birth, Kumar credits the nurses and doctors at McMaster Children’s Hospital for saving his life.

“The likelihood of me surviving was very slim to none,” says Kumar.

And that’s why Kumar says when it came time to pursue his post-secondary education, he knew he wanted to study at McMaster University.

But that’s not the only reason McMaster holds a special place in Kumar’s heart. The personal trainer and business owner also met his fiancée Julia Luca back in 2015 while they were both studying at Mac.

And so, Kumar says it made sense to propose to Julia on McMaster’s campus.

“After we graduated McMaster University, we made a tradition on every dating anniversary, which was January 28th, that we would always come back onto the campus to reminisce and to see what changed,” said Kumar.

And so, during their visit on January 28th of this year, Kumar got down on one knee outside of University Hall.

“It felt only natural after seven years of being with Julia that I was ready to spend the rest of my life with her,” says Kumar.

Luca says the proposal caught her by surprise.

“I could tell he was acting weird and being super nervous, but by the time I realized what was happening he was already getting down on one knee! I felt over the moon with excitement and adrenaline,” says Luca.

“I was already shaking and shouted “YES” before he even got the ring out.”

A professional photographer that Kumar had hired was there to capture the moment.

“I am very happy he decided to propose at McMaster because this is where it all started for us,” says Luca, who says she has fond memories of her time at Mac studying Life Sciences and playing on the Women’s Varsity Rugby team.

Kumar says it was Luca’s unwavering support throughout their relationship that made him see he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

“I struggled through school. I almost didn’t make it through university. It was Julia that really influenced me and pushed me to finish my undergraduate degree,” says Kumar, who graduated from political science before going on to earn an Integrated Business Management Certificate from Mohawk College.

“I knew then that Julia was someone special and our relationship has been growing stronger since then.”

Kumar, a personal trainer specializing in functional strength training, recently started his own business.

“Not only starting a business is difficult but to start one during a pandemic makes it considerably harder. Julia has been there for me through everything,” says Kumar. “I honestly can say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.”

The couple is now searching for a venue for a spring 2023 wedding.

“We have been looking forward to planning a big wedding together where all our family and friends can celebrate,” says Luca. “So we are very excited.”

For Kumar, the proposal is another happy memory tied to McMaster.

“Who would have thought that going to McMaster University would have given me so much more than the student experience and education? I found the love of my life and that is something I consider priceless.”

Photos courtesy Brendan Allan. Website: www.brendanweddings.com. Instagram: @brendanweddings