Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple are finally out of hiding after months of keeping their relationship a secret following their engagement on The Golden Bachelorette. At the After the Final Rose special, the couple opened up about their whirlwind romance and shared insights into their strong connection, which began long before the cameras stopped rolling.
Reflecting on the season, Joan and Chock discussed how their bond evolved and the unforgettable moments that solidified their relationship. The live reunion featured many familiar faces, including some of the men who had courted Joan throughout the show. Despite the heartfelt reunion, it was clear that Joan’s heart had been set on Chock from early on, even before her final date with runner-up Guy Gansert.
Early Sparks: Joan Knew Chock Was the One
When asked by Swooon magazine about when she realized Chock was “the one,” Joan didn’t hesitate. “Oh God, so early on,” she admitted. “I hate saying this because it sounds like I didn’t give everyone a fair chance, but the connection with Chock was undeniable from the start, especially during our Disneyland date.”
Joan and Chock’s first one-on-one date took place at Disneyland, setting the stage for their blossoming romance. “The moment we were together, we couldn’t stop talking,” Joan shared. “We were so engaged in our conversation that we barely noticed we were at Disneyland, which is hard to ignore because it’s such a magical place. But our focus was completely on getting to know each other. It was one of the easiest and most natural dates I’ve ever been on.”
Choosing Love with No Regrets
Despite her immediate connection with Chock, Joan made a conscious effort to give each of the 24 suitors a fair chance throughout the season. “I wanted to be sure I explored all my options and gave everyone the attention they deserved,” she explained. Yet, Chock remained on her mind through it all.
By the end of the season, Joan was confident in her decision. “At the end, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be,” she said. “I have no regrets about my journey on The Golden Bachelorette. It was an incredible experience, and it led me to Chock, which made it all worthwhile.”
Now that they can finally be public with their relationship, Joan and Chock are excited to enjoy their time together as a couple. “We’re looking forward to just living life and seeing what the future holds for us,” Joan said, hinting at the strong foundation they’ve built together.