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Katie Thurston and Jeff Arcuri Share Details About Intimate Wedding Ceremony Amid Cancer Journey
Katie Thurston and Jeff Arcuri, the newly married couple, recently shared insights with Us Weekly about their marriage, which began with a private ceremony in their New York City residence on March 22. The pair exchanged heartfelt vows in an intimate backyard setting.
Life as Husband and Wife
Thurston, 34, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 breast cancer, mentioned in the latest issue of Us, “Being husband and wife doesn’t feel drastically different as we were already using those terms for each other.” She further elaborated, “Introducing Jeff as my husband during a recent medical appointment felt particularly significant.”
Arcuri, 36, echoed this sentiment, stating, “She has felt like my wife since the moment we connected.” He considered their initial ceremony “emotional,” but also “a temporary symbol until our larger, true celebration.”
Looking Forward to a Grand Wedding Celebration
The comedian expressed his eagerness to “watch my wife walk down the aisle” during their future, more extensive wedding festivities. Thurston added to this, emphasizing the dual joy of their larger celebration: “We are excited not only to commemorate our love with all our cherished family and friends but also to mark the successful completion of my cancer treatment journey.”
Quick Engagement and Swift Nuptials
The former Bachelorette from season 17 and Arcuri’s relationship blossomed after they initially connected on Instagram in May 2024, following an initial virtual meeting two months prior. Their engagement was official by August, and after Thurston’s breast cancer diagnosis in February, they opted to expedite their wedding plans.
Meaningful Backyard Ceremony
Last month, Thurston revealed to Us, “It was incredibly tender. We had been wanting to plan a wedding, but the emotions surrounding chemo and its effects on health made things uncertain for the coming year. One evening, Jeff declared, ‘I want to demonstrate my unwavering love and commitment to you. I am ready to marry you immediately.'”
On March 22, marking the anniversary of Thurston’s initial Instagram message to her friends about discovering Arcuri’s comedic talent, they celebrated their union. Their parents joined them, traveling from out of town for a celebratory dinner at Da Andrea, a local Italian restaurant in New York City.
Navigating Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
Subsequently, days after their marriage, biopsy results confirmed the spread of cancer to Thurston’s liver, advancing her diagnosis from stage 3 to stage 4. On Monday, March 31, she attended a “chemo class” in preparation for commencing her treatment.
Sharing her reflections on Instagram, she wrote, “At times I question the reality of my life. Whether I accept it or not, this is my current reality, and I must make the most of it.” She continued, “There’s a saying to live each day as if it were your last, but living with that mindset is easier said than done, even now. And let’s be real, every day brings us all closer to the end, not in a negative sense, but in the undeniable cycle of life. Cancer or not, I am fortunate to have this day. So, while I experience moments or days of sadness, I am determined to value my time, regardless of cancer.”
Positive Outlook and Gratitude
Thurston, who has openly discussed her engagement with therapy, conveyed a similar positive outlook to Us.
“Throughout this entire journey, I have never once believed, ‘This is the end for me,’” she affirmed. “I have consistently viewed this as a year of temporary challenges, and I eagerly anticipate reaching the other side.”
For further insights from Thurston and Arcuri, please refer to the video provided. Wedding photos are available in the latest issue of Us Weekly, currently available on newsstands.