The inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette concluded with Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple’s engagement, leaving fans speculating that another Golden Bachelor wedding could be on the horizon in 2025. Joan, a 61-year-old widow and familiar face from The Golden Bachelor season 1, thought her journey to love had ended after leaving the show early due to a family emergency. However, fate had other plans. Joan was announced as The Golden Bachelorette, where she embarked on a whirlwind journey of romance, ultimately finding love with Chock.
Chock, a 60-year-old widower, captured Joan’s heart in the debut season. The couple’s engagement marked a beautiful conclusion to their on-screen love story, but could their next chapter involve wedding bells? With The Golden Bachelor franchise’s history of star-studded weddings, the possibility feels closer than ever.
A Look Back: The First Golden Bachelor Wedding
The first Golden Bachelor season brought us the unforgettable union of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist. Gerry, 72, and Theresa, 70, both widowed, tied the knot in a fairy tale wedding that aired shortly after the finale. Neither had experienced a grand celebration with their late spouses, so ABC spared no expense in crafting their dream wedding.
While their union symbolized love’s resilience at any age, Gerry and Theresa’s marriage lasted only three months. Their divorce was a blow to fans who saw them as the ultimate love story. Gerry later revealed that a cancer diagnosis soon after the wedding likely impacted his ability to focus on his marriage. Despite their split, both expressed gratitude for their time together, showing that love—even when fleeting—can leave a lasting impression.
Joan and Chock: A Love Story Built on Resilience
Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple’s love story has captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation. Before joining The Golden Bachelor, Joan was navigating life as a widower after losing her husband of 32 years, John Vassos, in 2021. Chock had also endured profound loss, having been engaged to Katherine Goree for nine years before her passing in 2022.
The two bonded early in The Golden Bachelorette season 1 over their shared experiences of grief and resilience. Despite challenges—including Chock losing his mother during the filming of the season—the couple persevered, with Chock’s determination to win Joan’s heart leading to their engagement.
Now, Joan and Chock are focused on blending their families, which include six adult children and several grandchildren. Their recent holiday photos on Instagram radiate joy, sparking speculation that a wedding announcement might be imminent. With their deep connection and evident happiness, Joan and Chock could very well be the next Golden Bachelor wedding couple.
Could Mark Anderson Surprise Us?
While Joan and Chock are the obvious frontrunners for a potential 2025 wedding, another familiar face might surprise us: Mark Anderson. The 58-year-old retired Army veteran first appeared on The Bachelor season 28 when his daughter, Kelsey, brought Joey Grazadei to Louisiana for her hometown date. Mark’s charm made him an instant fan favorite, leading to his casting on The Golden Bachelorette.
Although Mark was an early favorite, his lack of chemistry with Joan led to his elimination before hometown dates. While some fans were disappointed, others hoped this meant he would become the next Golden Bachelor.
Since his departure, Mark has been linked to actress Barbara Alyn Woods, best known for her role on One Tree Hill. While no official announcement has been made, their blossoming relationship has fans wondering if the next Golden Bachelor wedding might feature Mark and Barbara instead.
The Exciting Future of Golden Bachelor Weddings
With Joan and Chock’s love continuing to flourish and Mark’s rumored relationship heating up, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the prospect of another Golden Bachelor wedding in 2025. Whether it’s Joan and Chock walking down the aisle, Mark surprising fans with a proposal, or another unexpected couple emerging, the franchise continues to inspire hope and celebrate love at every stage of life.
