Meet our team
BECCAH RISDALL, Sales & event manager/owner
Beccah Risdall brings her years of management experience in the financial services industry to Willow Brooke Farm and Vineyard. Her dedication to ensuring the hospitality and personal connection is there from the beginning of the process through to the end of the event is her commitment to you. Willow Brooke Farm was designed, built, and is maintained with the utmost care. Beccah is committed to satisfying your wedding or event needs, and is honored to offer this barn wedding venue as a nearby location for your event.
PAULA HERMAN, Sales & Operation Assistant
Paula Herman has always been involved in roles that have utilized her organizational, planning and multi- tasking skill set. For years she has worked in retail and facilities and property management industries that developed her natural ability to connect with people and provide the utmost in customer service. Her experience as a wedding coordinator continues to establish her as great partner in planning your special day/event/wedding. She is excited to work with Willow Brooke Farm and Vineyard to help create memorable and beautiful events!
Karna Pettit, venue coordinator & manager
After spending years in retail and the floral industry, Karna found her passion in event planning. After working at The Capitol Room in St. Peter, MN and helping to plan weddings and events for her friends and family, Karna decided to move home to Red Wing where she was born and raised. Karna is now continuing her career as a venue manager here at Willow Brooke Farm.
Her goal for each event is to make it stress-free, easy and fun for the wedding party, families and guests. She is excited and eager to help make your day the best day ever from the beginning of the planning process to the very end of your big day!
eva mandelkow, bAR AND SALES COORDINATOR
You might not see much of her in person, but you better believe that Eva is behind the scenes making sure the boxes are checked! The many years in this industry in various roles from a banquet server as a teenager to bartending then bar management has given her the experience and dedication she brings to the team.
She will work with you to bring the visions you have for your big day to life! Plan your drink menu, signature drinks, custom wine labels, toasts, and even daytime cocktails while you enjoy getting ready for the big moment.
LAURA DRACKLEY, OPERATIONS MANAGER/VENUE MANAGER
Laura has always loved attending weddings where she gets to witness the people she loves & cares about get married to their forever love. She decided she would like to get into working at events after being the general manager for a golf club and she had put on a few notable events that brought the community together. Laura is looking forward to working with the wedding parties and all involved on the day of the event going forward this summer. She is excited to be in such a fun industry and she can’t wait to meet you out at WBF!
Jamie yarrington, bar manager
Jenna Swanson, marketing and social media manager, & venue manager
Jenna was born and raised right here in Red Wing, Minnesota and loves her community. She is passionate about creating and making memories for our guests here at Willow Brooke. With a background in photography, she knows how important it is to create the wedding or event of your dreams.
Whether it’s promoting our fabulous weddings or events on social media, updating our website, or working as a venue manager, she brings her enthusiasm and attention to detail to make sure that we put our best foot forward to serve our clients nothing less than the absolute best.