LOS ANGELES, CA — Joan Vassos, a Rockville native, wasn’t sure what to expect when she signed up for The Golden Bachelorette. Having appeared on The Golden Bachelor before and leaving early due to a family emergency, Joan returned for her own journey with 24 bachelors. In the season finale, she found her match in Chock Chapple, an insurance president from Wichita, Kansas.
“I went into this hoping to find someone to explore a relationship with outside of the show, but I didn’t expect to be ready for an engagement so quickly,” Joan admitted. “I was surprised to be at this point, but I’m so happy I found my person.”
The couple’s engagement, filmed months ago in Bora Bora, had to be kept secret until the show aired. Now, Chock and Joan are excited to share the news. “The support we’ve received from fans and our families has been overwhelming,” Chock said. “We feel very fortunate.”
Throughout the season, Joan and Chock bonded over their shared experiences of losing loved ones. Joan’s late husband, John, passed away after 32 years of marriage, and Chock had a similar loss. Their message to others is to take risks and open your heart to love.
“If you want companionship, you’ve got to step out there and take a chance,” Chock encouraged. Joan added, “At this stage in life, it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone. But if you don’t take a risk, you’ll never reach the next chapter in life where true happiness can be found.”
As for their future, the couple plans to move into an apartment in New York City but aren’t set on where they will ultimately settle down. Joan will visit her family and friends in Maryland soon, while Chock looks forward to introducing her to his relatives in the D.C. area.
