The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 finale recap: Who does Joan choose?

Joan Vassos chose Chock Chapple in The Golden Bachelorette Finale on November 13, 2024, accepting his proposal on a Bora Bora beach. The 61-year-old private school administrator from Maryland and the 60-year-old insurance executive from New York got engaged after six weeks of filming.

The final episode followed Pascal Ibgui's earlier departure on October 30, when he left before their overnight date during a Tahitian bonding ceremony. This left Chock and Guy Gansert, 66, as the final two contestants. Joan's children Ally and Nick traveled to Bora Bora with their partners to meet their potential stepfather.

The episode included family meetings, a surprise early elimination, and culminated in a beachside proposal where Chock presented Joan with a Neil Lane ring. The couple announced plans to live together in New York City and received a Disney World trip for both families during the live after-show segment with host Jesse Palmer.

Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple make it official in The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 finale

Chock's final days

The family meetings in The Golden Bachelorette finale started with Chock making strong connections. Joan's son Nick pulled Chock aside for a serious conversation about his intentions with Joan and Chock shared his thoughts about honoring John's memory while building a future with Joan. The family appreciated Chock's sincere approach and a clear commitment to Joan.

During their final date, Chock and Joan shared champagne in his room. Chock presented Joan with a meaningful gift - keys representing their future home together in New York City. He expressed his love for Joan, marking the first time she had heard those words since John's passing.

Though Joan felt deeply moved, she held back saying "I love you" in return, saving those words for her final choice.

Recovery and family arrival

Golden Bachelor season 1 contestant Nancy Hulkower met Joan aboard the Windstar Cruises Star Breeze ship before the final decisions. Nancy supported Joan who still felt affected by Pascal's earlier exit in The Golden Bachelorette. During their conversation, Nancy urged Joan Vassos not to "give power to Pascal" and helped her focus on her remaining connections. The talk helped Joan regain her confidence before the family meetings.

Joan's reunion with her children brought significant moments in Bora Bora. Her daughter Ally came with her husband Noah, while her son Nick arrived with his fiancée Brooke.

During family discussions, Joan shared her feelings about finding love again. She expressed past hesitation about dating after losing their father John. Both children emphasized their support for their mother's happiness and new relationship.

Guy's early exit

Joan visited Guy's hotel room before his scheduled family meeting. Through a difficult conversation, she revealed her heart belonged to fellow The Golden Bachelorette contestant Chock. Guy shared he had planned to propose, expressing deep feelings for Joan.

The emotional goodbye took place during rainfall in Bora Bora. During the live The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 finale segment, Guy asked Joan if something was missing in their relationship. Joan explained that with more time, things could have been different, stating

"In any other situation, I would have been with you because we would have more time."

She emphasized it was about timing rather than any fault of Guy's. Guy acknowledged the genuine nature of his feelings while watching their breakup footage.

Proposal and aftermath

The final rose ceremony unfolded on a Bora Bora beach. Joan Vassos wore a white halter dress adorned with purple and pink flowers at the neckline. Chock walked down to meet her for the momentous occasion.

Joan finally expressed her feelings, telling Chock she wanted to spend her life with him. She recalled their first date at Disneyland, saying she "thought I saw a future with you" from that moment.

During his proposal speech, Chock expressed his commitment to loving Joan every day. After Joan said "Of course I'll marry you," she presented him with the final golden rose. The couple joined Jesse Palmer in the studio for their first public appearance as an engaged pair.

During the live finale, the couple revealed details about their time since filming. They had several "secret rendezvouses" where they worked on crossword puzzles together. Host Jesse Palmer announced a Disney World trip for both families.

The couple discussed plans for their shared life, including finding a home together in New York City. The Golden Bachelorette lead expressed relief at finally telling Chock she loved him, confirming she had felt those emotions earlier but waited for the right moment.