Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple are progressing at a leisurely pace. Following their engagement on the finale of The Golden Bachelorette, Joan and Chock are giving their families time to become acquainted before they marry, as revealed exclusively to Life & Style by a source.
“Joan and Chock are not hurrying to get married,” the insider explains. “Joan has always been clear that she wants to remain in Maryland, whereas Chock lives in Kansas. They’re looking for an apartment in New York City to use as a meetup spot, which they find romantic. They want to test this arrangement and allow their families to bond before taking the next step, without seeing any issue in doing so.”
This cautious approach follows the example of the first season's Golden Bachelor couple, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, who divorced in April, just three months after their wedding was televised. While Gerry and Theresa quickly proceeded to the altar after their engagement, Joan, 61, and Chock, also 61, are choosing a different route.
“They remain optimistic about making it work and assure friends not to worry, but some are doubtful and hope this relationship doesn't end up like Gerry and Theresa's,” the insider shares.
Joan and Chock maintain their individual homes in Maryland and Kansas and have no immediate plans to relocate.
They’ve been searching for a New York City apartment to retreat to for some private time together. "It's not exactly a move," Joan clarified to People. "It will be a spot for our mini-honeymoon. It will be our love nest.
Nevertheless, Joan was resolute that managing time between two locations would not pose an issue. "I don't see it as a drawback. It could actually be quite enjoyable," she expressed to Us Weekly in October. "When something exciting is happening in my life, my partner could join me, and I could do the same. We’ll spend a few weeks together every month. Although it might seem idealistic, [but] it is feasible. Logistics shouldn't be the reason preventing you from being together."
The couple recently celebrated their first Thanksgiving together as a duo, along with both of their families in Maryland. Joan has four children with her late husband John Vassos, while Chock has two children with his ex-wife Heather.
"I was a bit apprehensive about suddenly bringing everyone together," Joan confessed to Us Weekly on December 6. "The holiday season is naturally stressful. Introducing everyone as 'Here’s your new family, new step-siblings, and me in his kids' lives and Chock in my kids' lives,' could be awkward. But from the first night, things went smoothly. We had dinner together. Our kids went off on their own, saying, 'We're heading to the bars afterward,' and we went home, leaving the kids to enjoy themselves. We feel very fortunate that our children got along so well.