Oh just had an idea. When wiring up the switch, you could wire both the line and load wires onto the line connection on the switch. This way it’s always providing power to the bulbs without the help of the dimmer. Then you can leave the relay enabled and then use it to trigger your bulbs. You just have to be careful that pulling the air gap switch that would normally cut power to the bulbs will not work as they will always have power.
Does that make sense?