Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple, stars of The Golden Bachelorette, are opening up about the secret to a lasting relationship. The engaged couple, who became a fan favorite after their dramatic engagement in Bora Bora, shared their thoughts on marriage with Business Insider, offering insights on how to build a strong partnership.
In their joint interview, Joan revealed that since her engagement aired on ABC’s Golden Bachelorette finale, she’s been overwhelmed with messages. “I currently have 180 messages, so I owe everybody a reply,” Joan shared, acknowledging the support from fans who have followed her journey from The Golden Bachelor to The Golden Bachelorette. “They’ve been along on this journey with me, and now they finally know who’s in my life.”
Joan, who first captured Bachelor Nation’s heart as a contestant on The Golden Bachelor, found love with Chock, an insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas. The couple got engaged in a romantic proposal in Bora Bora, where Chock shared his love for Joan during the finale.
Now that the engagement is out in the open, the couple is adjusting to their new life as an engaged pair. “We’re ready to just have a normal life,” Chock said, eager to move forward with their future plans, including their wedding, which they hope will take place in 2025 or early 2026. They also plan to find a home together in New York City, though they will continue to visit Chock’s home in Kansas and Joan’s family in Maryland.
In their interview, the couple revealed the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship, emphasizing patience, forgiveness, and the ability to “argue nicely.” Chock explained that knowing how to handle disagreements respectfully is essential for a successful marriage. “It’s about learning to communicate, understanding each other, and giving each other grace when things get tough,” he said.
One particularly intimate moment that didn’t make the final cut of the show was a passionate kiss between Joan and Chock the day before the proposal. Chock shared that while it was a “magical kiss,” it was left out of the finale to avoid giving away the outcome of the season. “There’s no way that they could have shown that, but it was magical because it kind of solidified how Joan felt,” he said. “If fans had seen that before the proposal, they would have known it was over.”
Additionally, Chock revealed another behind-the-scenes moment that led to their decision to find a home together in New York. The idea stemmed from an off-camera conversation the couple had during Fantasy Suite week, when they discussed their future and realized they wanted to build a life together.
As they embark on their journey toward marriage, Joan and Chock are excited to continue exploring their relationship and growing together. They have learned valuable lessons from their time on the show, including the importance of opening up, being patient, and taking risks in love.
With the upcoming wedding on the horizon, the couple is focused on building a strong foundation and enjoying the quiet moments together—away from the cameras. Their advice to others looking for love is simple: be open, take risks, and never settle.
