Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes: A Journey of Love and Commitment
Bachelorette's Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes' whirlwind romance: Follow their journey from pre-show DMs to a heartfelt proposal, reliving the drama, challenges, and ultimate engagement Discover their rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected reunions, and the rocky road to finding true love
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes' love story had its fair share of challenges, but they ultimately found happiness on season 17 of The Bachelorette.
Katie's journey, cohosted by Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe following Chris Harrison's departure due to controversy, was anything but ordinary, filled with unexpected surprises. One such twist was Blake's arrival later in the season, which caught some of the other contestants off guard. However, Katie remained steadfast in her unwavering connection with him.
During the After the Final Rose special, Katie expressed her unwavering certainty that she had indeed found her soulmate, despite facing doubts from a few skeptics among her fans. She adamantly stated, "Without a doubt, this is the person I was meant to be with." Katie continued to praise her partner's unwavering commitment, highlighting his unwavering dedication even in the face of her contemplating leaving. She gratefully acknowledged how fortunate she felt to have found someone who was confident enough to endure the ups and downs of their relationship until the very end, expressing her deep love for him.
Katie announced in October 2021 that the pair had called it quits just months after fans watched her proposal play out on TV.
Scroll down to relive the couple’s road to romance:
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Bachelorette's Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes' Relationship Timeline: From Pre-Season DMs to a Proposal
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes’ road to romance certainly had its bumps — but they (briefly) found a happy ending after meeting on season 17 of The Bachelorette.
Katie's unorthodox journey, in which Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe took over as cohosts after Chris Harrison's departure due to controversy, was full of unexpected surprises. Blake's unexpected arrival, for instance, caught some contestants off guard, but Katie remained steadfast in her unwavering bond with him.
Despite certain fans expressing doubt about their connection, Katie unequivocally expressed her certainty in having found her soulmate.
"This is undoubtedly the person I was meant to be with," she mentioned on After the Final Rose special. "He fought for our relationship and chose to stand by me, even when I expressed doubts about staying. The fact that he was strong enough to stay committed till the very end, I feel incredibly fortunate. I have an immense love for him."
In October 2021, Katie revealed that the two of them had ended their relationship, shortly after viewers witnessed their engagement on television.
Scroll down to relive the couple’s road to romance:
Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Bachelor Nation Pros
Blake competed for the affections of both Clare and Tayshia during the 2020 season of The Bachelorette. As for Katie, she appeared as a contestant on Matt James' season of The Bachelor.
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Sliding Into Her DMs
The founder of The Blake Moynes Shop initially connected with his fiancée during her time on season 25 of the dating show, which premiered in January 2021. In a July 2021 episode of the "Click Bait" podcast, he revealed that when he first reached out to her after the first episode, her responses were cold. She was polite, but did not engage in any meaningful conversation, effectively shutting down any potential dialogue.
The former Bachelorette contestant specifically reached out to Katie after she boldly brought a vibrator with her to meet Matt. He appreciated her confidence and willingness to have fun with it, viewing it as a sign of compatibility and shared values.
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'Bachelorette' Arrival
In the episode aired on July 5, 2021, Blake became a part of season 17. Tayshia, at Katie's request, informed the remaining 14 suitors about the addition of Blake, who hails from Canada. However, this announcement did not sit well with some of the men. Upon his arrival, Blake acknowledged the underlying tension but expressed his eagerness to have joined the journey earlier, as he had never encountered someone like Katie before.
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One-on-One Connection
Blake achieved a remarkable feat during his one-on-one date on the July 5 episode. Horseback riding served as the perfect activity for the duo to discover their shared interests. As they shared a meal later that evening, Blake inquired about Katie's journey towards embracing her sexuality, leading to a vulnerable discussion about her experience with sexual assault and her desire to reclaim her strength. Touched by this intimate revelation, Katie bestowed upon Blake a rose as a token of her appreciation.
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Hometown Hero
During their hometown date on the August 2, 2021, episode of the ABC series, the wildlife manager treated Katie to some of his favorite Canadian delights and activities. Their playful excursion involved indulging in syrup, engaging in a game of hockey, and taking a ride on a mechanical moose. Although Blake expressed to his family and the cameras that Katie was The One, he found himself lacking the courage to confess his feelings to her at that moment.
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Overcoming the Drama
Greg's sudden withdrawal from the competition caught Katie off guard. This left both the Bachelorette and Blake questioning the future of their own relationship. Prior to their fantasy suite date, Blake expressed doubts, stating, "If Katie is still holding onto her feelings for Greg, then there's no point." However, their time together solidified their bond as a couple. Consequently, Katie made the difficult decision to eliminate runner-up Justin Glaze, ultimately leaving only Blake in New Mexico to meet her family.
“With each encounter, my emotions intensified, and I could feel our bond growing stronger and stronger. It was effortless, as though we effortlessly resumed where we had left off. Time held no significance,” she shared during the After the Final Rose special in August 2021. “Every passing day strengthens our love even more. We have evolved beyond the couple you witnessed on one knee. We have already grown immeasurably, and we are eagerly anticipating the beginning of our shared journey.”
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Engaged!
During the finale episode on August 9, 2021, Blake found himself overwhelmed while browsing through options for engagement rings. Despite his uncertainty about committing to Katie, she remained steadfast in her belief that he was her perfect match.
"I used to think that you arrived late, but throughout our journey together, I've come to understand that love has its own timing, completely unaffected by societal norms or expectations. And that's why we're standing here, in this very moment," Katie expressed passionately right before Blake's proposal. "You came into my life exactly when you were supposed to. I will forever be grateful that you fought to be here."
Blake initially appeared hesitant to propose, but ultimately he gathered the courage to ask the question on one knee. "I understand that what I have to offer may not meet your expectations, because you deserve so much more," he explained. "You deserve nothing less than the entire world, and I am thrilled to be your unwavering support and companion as we journey forward together."
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Happily, Ever After the Final Rose
The couple happily announced their engagement during the After the Final Rose special. Katie expressed her appreciation for Blake's thoughtfulness, stating, "I'm grateful that he took the opportunity to truly consider our relationship." She acknowledged that although they had limited time together, his uncertainty for a brief moment only made their connection more significant.
Credit: Courtesy Blake Moynes/Instagram
His Rock
“So thrilled to embark on our best f--king journey! You're an absolute rock. My rock," Blake conveyed via Instagram in August 2021 following the conclusion of season 17. "A mature, nurturing, supportive, and loving partner who consistently amazes me day after day. We have an incredible expedition known as life lying before us, and I want you to be aware that I will spare no effort in aiding, propelling, and inspiring you to seize every precious moment of it! I adore you, buggy."
Credit: Courtesy Katie Thurston/Instgram
Birthday Boy
"Happy birthday, my love! These past few months have been absolutely incredible. I want you to know that I couldn't have gone through this journey without you," Katie expressed on her Instagram in August 2021, just as her fans were witnessing the conclusion of her Bachelorette experience. "I'm beyond excited to step out of our comfort zones and fully embrace what life has in store for us!"
Praising her partner from Washington, Katie shared, "I truly couldn't imagine a better companion. Your kindness, patience, and understanding are unmatched, and your dedication to the environment and animals is awe-inspiring. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have you as my fiancé, my best friend, and my confidant. Together, we're just a pair of quirky souls joyfully navigating life's journey. Here's to the countless adventures that lie ahead!"
Credit: Courtesy of Katie Thurston/Instagram
Thankful for the Journey
The native of Washington shared a video on Instagram in September 2021, prior to embarking on her Bachelor journey. She expressed her gratitude for the reality show, which not only gave her close friendships with her fellow contestants but also led her to find a fiancé. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, "I still can't believe it has already been a year since I left for The Bachelor. Little did I know how drastically my life would change in such a short period of time. I am truly grateful for @bacheloretteabc and everything it has brought into my life." She further expressed her thanks to @blakemoynes, mentioning that when she set out in search of love a year ago, she had no idea it would lead her to him. Despite the challenges they faced during the early months of their relationship, they cherished every secret moment they could spend together. They supported each other throughout the process of watching back her various relationships on the show, ultimately emerging from it even stronger and happier. Now, they are excited to embark on their real life together, acknowledging that there will be new challenges as they navigate their new norm, but they are ready and eager to embrace this next chapter.
Credit: Courtesy Katie Thurston/Instagram
Going the Distance
Katie acknowledged in October 2021 that she experienced feelings of solitude while her partner was away in Africa for professional obligations. She expressed gratitude towards her Instagram followers for being a supportive community during moments of melancholy. Additionally, she praised Blake for his unwavering commitment to his career and admired his advocacy for animal welfare, as shared on her Instagram Story.
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It’s Over
"In October 2021, Katie announced via Instagram that she and Blake have decided to end their relationship, based on a foundation of love and respect. They are grateful for the shared moments and experiences throughout the year. However, they have realized their incompatibility as life partners, leading them to the caring choice of pursuing separate paths. Katie and Blake kindly request privacy and understanding during this transitional period. They will always wish the best for each other and appreciate your support in honoring their decision."
Credit: Courtesy of Katie Thurston/Instagram
Trying to Moving On
In October 2021, Katie took to Instagram to express her emotions about the breakup, which occurred nearly a week prior. She acknowledged that some people had questioned the authenticity of their love and relationship. Addressing those individuals with a hint of sarcasm, she stated, "I can only hope to be so lucky as you to find a forever love on the first time, you know?" Katie emphasized that ending a relationship is not uncommon and shared her belief that she and Blake were fortunate enough to realize their incompatibilities early on. Making the decision to split was challenging, but they are currently navigating through waves of emotions as they process the aftermath.
After disclosing that he was finding solace in his friends and pets following the breakup, Blake expressed gratitude towards his newfound "social family" for their unwavering support. Sharing his appreciation on Instagram, he acknowledged that it is always his trusted circle that helps him bounce back during challenging times. He expressed satisfaction in gradually returning to normalcy and recognized the love, support, encouragement, and even patience that his new online community has shown him in the past week.
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Bad Terms?
Following Us magazine's revelation on November 23 of Katie's romantic involvement with season 17 contestant John Hersey, observant fans noticed that Blake recently chose to unfollow her on Instagram. In an intriguing twist, during her "12 Days of Messy" challenge that same month, Katie specifically dedicated Taylor Swift's hit song "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" to Blake, while reserving "Begin Again" for John.
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Blindsided
According to an exclusive source who spoke with Us in November 2021, Blake was completely caught off guard by the news that his former fiancée is now in a relationship with another contestant from The Bachelorette, John. Since then, Blake has decided to unfollow Katie on social media, and several members of his family have done the same.
The wildlife manager recently shared his experience of discovering Katie's new relationship on the "Talking It Out With Bachelor Nation" podcast. He was taken aback by the news, as he had not expected her to unveil a new man during her final "12 Days of Messy" challenge. The unexpected revelation prompted him to pull over in a Best Buy parking lot when his phone started buzzing incessantly. People were calling him in disbelief, exclaiming, "There's no way!" He also mentioned his surprise, admitting that he had anticipated Katie would inform him privately about the situation.
Blake acknowledged that he and Katie had maintained a friendly relationship until her recent confession about her new partner. Therefore, he expected her to inform him about their romance before making it public. "The conversations between us have been amicable and positive after our breakup," he elaborated. "So it seems reasonable to reach out to me and share that information in advance, just to give me a heads up."
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Emotional Cheating
"I don't believe there was any physical infidelity involved, but it's evident that there was emotional betrayal for the relationship to end so abruptly. I feel foolish and regretful for allowing it to happen, to some extent," Blake expressed when discussing Katie's swift transition to another man during the November 2021 podcast. "I'm not sure if it was partly my fault as well, like, was she emotionally unfaithful because I couldn't provide enough words of affirmation, which I know I struggle with sometimes."
The Canadian native acknowledged that he strives to live without regrets, but his ex-fiancée's new love threw him off balance. "Instances like this make it difficult to maintain a no-regrets mindset when you consider how things unfolded," he reflected.
Blake admitted to being completely clueless about the new relationship. He stated, "When this news broke, I was just as surprised as everyone else. There were rumors, of course, but based on the timeline, I genuinely believed it wasn't possible."
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When He Knew It Was Over
In a February 2022 episode of the "Almost Famous" podcast hosted by Ben Higgins, it was disclosed by the former reality star that he and Katie came to the realization that their relationship was not going to succeed shortly after the airing of the August 2021 finale.
During the weeks they spent together in New York City and San Diego, where Katie purchased a house, it became apparent that they were not compatible in various aspects. There was a consistent tension present in their day-to-day interactions, difficult to articulate. They simply could not meet each other's needs during that period.
He continued, "It was those three weeks that ultimately brought it to an end. Afterward, I didn't see her for some time, as I had traveled to Kenya. The combination of these two factors weighed heavily, leading us to question our actions. Eventually, we made the decision to end the relationship."
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Keeping His Distance
Katie's relationship with John prompted Blake to disclose that she had reached out to him, but he declined her gesture of reconciliation. In a February 2022 episode of his "Almost Famous" podcast, he explained to Ben that he had not been emotionally ready to respond at that time. He didn't want to react impulsively during the chaos, without taking the time to reflect.
He added, "I utter the phrase 'I'm good' solely because of the passage of time. Time has the power to mend numerous wounds and grants the opportunity to contemplate and overcome the chaos that has unfolded."
Credit: Courtesy Blake Moynes/Instagram
'Finished' Business
In August 2022, when a fan questioned Blake about his unresolved relationship with Katie, citing the downhill trajectory it took, he forthrightly expressed his true sentiments. Responding through his Instagram Story, he firmly stated, "The relationship is completely over. There is no need to revisit it. It's a tiresome subject. Thank you for understanding. ️"
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A Surprising Reunion
In a surprising turn of events during a November 2023 episode of Bachelor in Paradise, Katie unexpectedly made an appearance on the show while Blake was on a quest to find love. This marked the first time the ex-couple had a chance to speak since their breakup and it allowed them to obtain some much-needed closure.
