This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 210th installment visiting with Linda Carruthers, president/owner of Willow Ridge Special Event Center which is a wedding venue located in Townsend on the former Coopers Cove property.
Describe more about the property. Willow Ridge sits in one of the most popular wedding capitals of the country, the Smoky Mountains. Our guests are from many parts of the country and surrounding areas. Destination weddings and receptions are very popular for engaged couples. We also host local proms, corporate events, and private parties for inside and outside events. Willow Ridge can seat up to 200 guests at three outside sites or inside the Manor for receptions and other events.
What do you enjoy about this business? I very much enjoy managing the eight acre property, working with vendors and property contractors. It’s very satisfying to see the property enhanced and made more beautiful. I love communicating with engaged couples and helping them make their dream wedding come to life at Willow Ridge,
But, most of all, I love meeting people and making new friends!
What do you wish you knew when you started? I have always loved renovating old things to new, remodeling and updating to new trends, and have experience with other projects of this kind. I was excited to rebrand Coopers Cove to an all new Willow Ridge and move forward with a wedding venue, but also expand to host corporate events, meetings, anniversary and vow renewals, Christmas Parties, bridal/baby showers, and other private events all year round. I did not know that wedding day is a very special time and I would enjoy the guests and the families so very much. It’s a day of love, and it flows freely on wedding day. I’m so blessed to get to experience it week after week.