Gwyneth Paltrow stepped into the role of wedding officiant on October 10 to unite Matthew Lowe and Emily Markus in marriage. The star-studded outdoor ceremony took place in Santa Barbara, California. The bride and groom exchanged vows after more than 35 years of friendship between Paltrow and the groom’s father, veteran actor Rob Lowe.
For the celebratory occasion, Paltrow wore a long-sleeved white silk column gown. The dress featured a plunging backless silhouette and a waist-cinching matching wide belt covered in vivid, colorful floral details. She completed her look with gold strappy heeled sandals and middle-parted platinum blonde waves. She attended the event alongside her husband, Brad Falchuk.
A Star-Studded Guest List in Santa Barbara
The wedding drew an array of Hollywood A-listers and high-profile figures to the California coast. Among the notable guests spotted at the celebration were Cameron Diaz, Katy Perry, and Adam Levine with his wife, Behati Prinsloo. Zoe Saldaña with her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, and Chris Pratt alongside Katherine Schwarzenegger were also in attendance.
The groom, 33-year-old Matthew Lowe, is the eldest son of Rob Lowe and his wife of 35 years, Sheryl Berkoff. The couple’s younger son, 30-year-old John Owen Lowe, sat in the front row alongside his parents to support his brother.
Bride Emily Markus wore a plunging white strapless gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and a sheer floral overlay on the skirt. She completed her look with a long white tulle veil as she walked down the grassy aisle.
A Bittersweet Family Celebration
The nuptials came as a bittersweet moment for the Lowe family. The ceremony took place less than two weeks after the tragic passing of Rob Lowe’s 13-year-old niece, Fiona Lowe. Fiona, the middle daughter of Rob’s brother Chad Lowe and his wife Kim Painter, passed away on September 29.
Despite the recent family grief, members of the extended family gathered to support Matthew and Emily on their wedding day. Chad Lowe and Kim Painter were photographed at the family gathering, marking their first public outing since their daughter’s passing.
The Lowe family previously expressed their devastation in a public statement following Fiona’s death. They remembered her as a loving, smart, and creative girl who loved to dance and was the light of their lives. The family also shared important mental health resources, encouraging anyone struggling to reach out to the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
Decades-Long Friendship With Rob Lowe
Paltrow’s appearance as officiant highlights a bond with Rob Lowe that stretches back to her teenage years. The actress previously spoke during Rob Lowe’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2015. She guided Matthew and Emily through their vows under a wedding arch decorated with white fabric and lush greenery.
The wedding successfully brought together close family members and Hollywood elite for a memorable California weekend, blending personal milestones with long-standing industry friendships.
