As The Golden Bachelorette‘s Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple prepare for their wedding, many viewers can’t help but reflect on the dramatic fallout from the previous season of The Golden Bachelor. Last year, the show’s first season ended with Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist celebrating a public wedding filled with family and fellow Bachelor alumni. Yet, mere months later, their love story unraveled in a highly publicized divorce.
Just three months after tying the knot, Gerry and Theresa announced their split. They attributed their breakup to the challenges of long-distance living and difficulties in finding common ground on a home base. This history casts a shadow over Joan and Chock’s relationship, leading audiences to worry about potential pitfalls. However, the couple tackled this concern head-on by agreeing to manage their living arrangements harmoniously between different homes, suggesting they are taking their journey more cautiously.
Chock and Joan Aren’t Rushing Their Wedding
Avoiding Gerry and Theresa’s Hasty Decisions
Joan and Chock have opted for a long engagement. While the length of “long” can vary, they are certainly moving at a pace distinct from Gerry and Theresa, who got engaged in the fall of 2023, culminating in a wedding just a few months later. In contrast, Joan and Chock became engaged during the summer of 2024, thus already extending their engagement beyond that of the previous couple.
Theresa has hinted that the show’s producers may have pressured her and Gerry into a rushed marriage. Their dream wedding came with a tight timeline, leading to significant decisions being made before the couple thoroughly understood one another. This rush to the altar arguably contributed to the couple’s inability to navigate their differences effectively.
Joan is Likely to Keep Her Celebration Family-Friendly
Opting for Elegance Over Extravagance
Joan prioritizes her children, having established boundaries during her time on The Golden Bachelorette for their sake. She expressed that they felt uneasy with the concept of fantasy suites, opting instead for connections devoid of physicality. Joan’s approach to dating has evolved since losing her husband, making it unlikely for her to celebrate her bachelorette party in a typical manner.
Unlike Theresa’s celebration, which included provocative activities like a boudoir photo shoot and strippers, Joan is more inclined to create a personal and refined celebration that includes family, steering clear of traditional bachelorette extravaganzas.
Joan and Chock Seek a Less Conventional Wedding
Charting Their Unique Course
The allure of The Golden Bachelor stemmed from the contestants’ authenticity. Many had experienced previous marriages, imparting a level of vulnerability and self-awareness uncommon among typical contestants. However, Gerry and Theresa’s wedding felt conventional, with Theresa donning a classic mermaid gown, a white veil, and pearl accessories.
Their reception featured familiar traditions such as a first dance and bouquet toss.
In contrast, Joan and Chock’s commentary about their wedding plans indicates a desire for a more authentic representation of their relationship. They expressed a wish to write their vows and lean towards a more intimate ceremony, suggesting it may be a smaller and more personal affair. It is likely that Joan will opt for attire that reflects her individuality rather than the traditional wedding gown.
Considering their unconventional living arrangements, it is reasonable to assume that Joan and Chock may eschew typical marriage customs. With both having experienced previous marriages, they wish to honor the memories of their late spouses while focusing on the importance of blending their families. It appears that their celebration will be less about the traditional bride-and-groom fanfare and more about creating a loving environment for their children.
Will Joan and Chock’s Wedding Be Televised?
Television Potential Not Dismissed
Although there have been no formal announcements regarding a televised wedding for Joan and Chock, they have hinted at its potential. Joan has expressed her willingness to consider both an intimate and televised wedding event. This could manifest as a small wedding broadcasted to a larger audience or a private ceremony followed by a celebratory reception recorded for television.
After months of maintaining a low profile post-filming, Joan and Chock are excited to share their relationship with the world. They appreciate the support and connection with their viewers, which may influence their desire to include the public in their wedding. However, regardless of the format, their wedding will differ greatly from Gerry and Theresa’s experience.
Whether on-screen or private, Joan and Chock’s wedding will symbolize their love and commitment to one another. Their journey has been one of healing and rediscovery, ultimately allowing them to embrace this new chapter together. Whatever the form of their celebration, The Golden Bachelorette wedding will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a promising new adventure for them both.
The Golden Bachelorette is available for streaming on Hulu.