Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Carruthers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In October 2023, I purchased an existing wedding venue in Townsend, Tennessee, which had 27 weddings scheduled.
My granddaughter, Caleigh, had aspirations of pursuing a career in the wedding industry; and, I had always loved entertaining.
We set out on an exciting adventure together, learning, honing our skills, and executing large events and weddings. Caleigh completed her certification as a wedding/event planner, and I have focused on building and managing the business.
We completed the 2024 weddings while renovating the property into a modern upscale event center.
We rebranded and quickly began booking weddings and other events such as rehearsal dinners, church events, corporate events and showers and parties.
Every event we host teaches us something new. We love helping our clients make their dream wedding or special event a reality; but, the most important and satisfying part is meeting people we would have never known otherwise. It truly is a blessing!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hosting important events in people’s lives can be an overwhelming and slightly intimidating task.
Wedding Day is the most important day for couples, marking the start of their new life journey together. Planning can be stressful and tiring, but we assist couples and clients with start-to-finish support, ensuring a perfect day. This approach requires time and commitment, as we invest in our clients for months and most often a year in advance. Plans change frequently, and we adjust accordingly. The journey to wedding day can be unpredictable and therefore, our work load is unpredictable. Our policy is to always say “yes” if it’s at all possible to accommodate their last minute changes.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Nestled in the picturesque town of Townsend, Tennessee, lies Willow Ridge Special Event Center. Spanning an impressive 8 acres, this venue is conveniently located on Highway 321, offering beautiful mountain views. With its picturesque setting, Willow Ridge is an ideal choice for outdoor weddings and events. The venue boasts a fountain pond adorned with willow trees, spacious guest buildings for bridal parties and reception spaces, lush greenery and beautiful blooms. Additionally, a charming stone stairway leads down to the serene Willow Pond, providing a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. Recently, an outdoor pavilion has been added to the Manor reception building, serving as our rain option for outdoor weddings and transforming into a charming cocktail area for other outdoor events. We also offer indoor weddings.
Our calendar is typically filled with weddings, but we also host private parties, church and corporate events. We thoroughly enjoy every event and the wonderful, diverse people we have the privilege of meeting.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Learning how to manage a large wedding and event center was accomplished with assistance from the previous owners who worked along with us the first year as we completed the previously booked contracts.
The vendors we meet day by day, have been our biggest supporters.
The wedding industry/event business is unique, with no competitiveness. Everyone supports and helps each other. It is a rewarding and fulfilling business to be in if you enjoy meeting new people almost daily, working with people who lift you up, and witnessing love every week!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://willowridgetownsend.com
- Instagram: willowridgetownsend
- Facebook: Willow Ridge Special Event Center
