top of page
Office Skyline View

About Joanne

FOUNDER OF GATHERWELL PLANNING

Long before this was my work, friends and family nicknamed me “the planner.”

 

I was the one organizing holidays, mapping out trips, hosting dinners, and thinking three steps ahead so everyone else could enjoy the moment. When family and friends were planning something important, I naturally became the person they turned to for ideas, organization, and a second opinion. I’ve always loved planning because I love to obsess over the details. I still do. Not for perfection, but because details shape how something feels. Planning is my way of giving back. What I love most is watching the process come together and seeing how thoughtful planning brings joy to the people around me.

Professionally, I’ve spent more than two decades in New York City leading communications, brand strategy, and high-visibility events (a different kind of planning). I’ve worked with founders, executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, entertainment brands, and consumer companies, including roles supporting the Miss Universe Organization, Skinnygirl, and national brand campaigns where clarity mattered and every decision carried weight. That experience shaped how I think: structured, strategic, and grounded in purpose.

Joanne Freed, founder of Gatherwell

Today, I work as a New York City based wedding planner, exclusively offering nationwide virtual wedding planning support for couples who want expert guidance while planning their own wedding. I work with couples nationwide to help people sort through decisions, clarify priorities, and figure out what to do next through hourly consultations and ongoing planning support.

 

I created Gatherwell because I saw a gap in the wedding industry. Many couples want to plan their own wedding, but full-service planning can be more support than they need, while doing everything alone can leave them wondering where to start, what to prioritize, and how to move forward. Gatherwell fills that middle space, providing expert guidance at the moments couples need it most.

I also continue to partner with brands and leaders on positioning, messaging, and event strategy. The setting may change, but the thinking remains the same. Clear strategy. Aligned decisions. Details that support the bigger picture.

 

At the heart of it, Gatherwell is built on one principle: clear thinking leads to confident decisions, whether you’re shaping a brand or planning a wedding.

Gatherwell brings thoughtful, virtual planning support to clients nationwide

Gatherwell-Planning-Logo

Virtual wedding planner for couples planning themselves. 

New York, NY

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

© 2026 by Gatherwell Planning. All Rights Reserved. 

bottom of page