Vendors I Love: WEDWELL
photo by Justin McCallum Photography
I was lucky enough to work with Claire on a wedding in 2024. I was then invited to a small creative partner dinner she organized with a photographer colleague and our paths continued to cross at Rising Tide NYC events. I love how Claire is able to toggle between the macro and the micro. Completely seeing the big picture, and then getting into the nitty gritty on the details. It’s a gift. Without further ado, I’m beyond excited to shine the light on Claire Letourneau from WedWell.
What was the path that led you to become a planner?
My path likely started well before it presented itself. I’ve always been drawn to planning social events for friends and family. I love celebrating people. I love that at a well-planned party, people can relax, enjoy those around them, laugh, dance, sing, and eat cake! My first career was wellness consulting. A nebulous title few understood. But the main feature of that career path was planning health-related programming for students, and later employees. The skills from this career path translated perfectly to weddings.
Back to the question though…the push I needed to get started on my wedding planner path was when the planner for my own wedding ghosted me. This was long before that phrase even existed! I had to dive into planning without professional support and I realized it came naturally. To this day, the timeline template I use, over a decade later, is based on the original timeline for my wedding. Perhaps it was fate!
photo by Forever Photography
Oh my gosh, I cannot event imagine that. Ten years later, what excites you about weddings?
Seeing each wedding come together on the day! I plan for so long focusing on every minute detail. But on the day I get to see every facet come together with the satisfaction of finishing a challenging puzzle. I love seeing the talent each vendor brings - whether it’s technical like sound, lighting, and the culinary arts or the wizardry of florals and transformation when the couple goes from their every day looks to glam.
I get excited to hear the vows the couple has worked so hard to craft, to meet the families and friends I’ve heard so much about. And of course, to laugh and cry along during the toasts from those who know the couple so intricately. Yes, I still tear up at touching moments. I’m excited by weddings because I’m lucky to have couples who vary in so many ways. And I’m always excited for wedding cake. Please, couples, always save me a slice.
I’m so jealous. Since I leave before dinner, I never get cake. Next time eat a piece for me! So, when it comes to beginning the work, what do you look for in a couple?
I look for a couple with a story to tell. Maybe it’s their love story, but maybe it’s the story of family traditions, of blending cultures. Or how two people that shouldn’t work truly do. Maybe it’s that a bride is an incredible graphic designer or a drummer. Maybe it’s a groom that roasts his wife during their vows and she wouldn’t want it any other way. A couple who wants to show off what makes them uniquely suited for each other. I’m looking for a couple who loves the idea of having their family and friends in one place to kick off a new chapter in their lives.
photo by Forever Photography
That’s exciting. And super juicy. What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
I’ve had multiple wedding vendors tell me how incredibly detail-oriented I am, but that I’m really relaxed on the day. Just recently I had the staff at an iconic NYC wedding venue tell me that the wedding we had just finished was possibly the smoothest they’ve ever had. Truly high praise that was unexpected and very greatly appreciated!
What do you desire for your business?
I’d like my business to grow, but not too much. I like the personal, bespoke nature of WedWell. It’s about connections. I’d like to work in more iconic places AND unusual spaces. I want to continue working with great people and make fabulous weddings a reality!
What are you grateful for?
I’m grateful for having spent half of my life in the Midwest and half my life (or more) in New York City. I feel like I have sensibilities from both places that make me a well-rounded person and planner. I’m grateful for my husband who always congratulates me as each wedding is winding down with a text that says, “Another success WedWell wedding in the books”. And, my dog, Lani, for sleepily greeting me when I get home. And I’m grateful that I was able to start my business and keep it going strong for well over a decade!
photo by Justin McCallum Photography
Any recent cause for celebration?
Absolutely! I got to eat, arguably, some of the best chocolate mousse in all of Paris. My parents visited me in NYC. My friend got the promotion she deserved. I had a successful wedding at the Central Park Boathouse. Titanique came back and I got to see it again! I finished a great book! (“My Friends” by Fredrik Bachman). All of this, just in the last month. There should always be causes for celebration!
Hear, hear, friend!
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