Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple may be engaged, but that doesn’t mean they’re rushing down the aisle. The Golden Bachelorette stars are enjoying their time together and focusing on their relationship rather than wedding planning—despite rumors suggesting they’re struggling due to long distance.
Why Joan & Chock Aren’t in a Hurry to Get Married
In a recent Us Weekly interview, Joan shared that while she and Chock definitely plan to get married, they’re in no rush. “We certainly talk about the wedding and we’re gonna get married, but we’re not like the young people,” she explained. “We don’t have a biological clock. We’re not trying to establish our lives someplace together.”
Despite living in different states—Joan in Maryland and Chock in Kansas—the couple is making it work. They’re even planning a future in New York City while keeping their individual homes. “We’re not together every single night,” Joan said. “We’re still solid, we’re good. We don’t have to do that.”
Joan made it clear that she sees Chock as her life partner but admitted that planning a wedding right now feels overwhelming. “I certainly want to marry this man. He is the person I wanna spend the rest of my life with. But the thought of planning a wedding right now sounds exhausting.”
Living in the Moment Instead of Rushing to the Altar
Rather than diving into wedding preparations, Joan is embracing the unique opportunities that have come her way since The Golden Bachelorette aired. “This is such an experience, and it’s so rare for somebody our age to get these opportunities that I’m just gonna keep doing this until they stop asking,” she said.
Joan also acknowledged that wedding planning would require a lot of attention and energy—something she’s not ready to devote herself to just yet. “The wedding will come,” she assured. “It’ll happen when it’s right, when I have time to plan it—and when I feel like planning it. Right now, I’m excited about other things that we’re doing.”
Avoiding the Mistakes of The Golden Bachelor
Some may speculate that delaying the wedding is a red flag, but Joan and Chock’s approach is actually a smart one. The Golden Bachelor couple, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, rushed into marriage only to divorce three months later. Joan had always been clear that she wanted to get to know her partner in the real world before making such a major commitment.
She and Chock have only known each other since The Golden Bachelorette began filming in June 2024. Instead of getting caught up in the pressure to wed quickly, they’re taking their time—traveling, blending their families, and enjoying their engagement.
Marriage Isn’t the Only Path to Happiness
Both Joan and Chock have been married before. Joan lost her husband of 32 years to pancreatic cancer, while Chock’s previous marriage ended in divorce. He was later engaged for nine years before tragically losing his fiancée to brain cancer. Given their life experiences, Joan and Chock understand that a strong relationship isn’t defined by a wedding date.
Joan has four adult children and three grandchildren, while Chock has two adult children. They’ve been focused on blending their families, spending the holidays together, and strengthening their bond. For now, that’s more important to them than rushing into marriage.
A Love That Lasts Beyond Reality TV
Unlike many Bachelor franchise couples who feel pressured to wed quickly, Joan and Chock are doing things on their own terms. Whether they get married in a year, two years, or never at all, their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding—something far more important than a wedding ceremony.
Bachelor Nation may be eager for another Golden wedding, but Joan and Chock are proving that love isn’t about the timeline—it’s about the journey.
