Blue Heron Event Center in Medina is quickly becoming known as a wedding and event venue that promises to transport your group beyond the ordinary

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Blue Heron Event Center’s beautifully appointed Heron Room (pictured above) is perfectly suited for weddings of up to 120, and social or business gatherings of up to 150. (Photography: Corey Ann Photography)

By Ken McEntee

Whether you are planning an intimate elegant wedding or a large corporate gathering, the Blue Heron Event Center in Medina offers two sophisticated venues to make your day one to remember, explains General Manager Khadar Soussou.

“The intimate Heron Room was built in 2018 with the idea of bringing a more modern look to an event center,” Khadar says.

“It isn’t your traditional ballroom. Its decor is all white, with a lot of glass overlooking Austin Badger Park and it has access to a second-floor terrace.”

In contrast to Blue Heron’s traditional Grand Ballroom, which can host as many as 450 guests, the Heron Room is better suited for weddings of up to 120, or social or business gatherings of up to 150.

“The Heron Room is ideal for baby showers, rehearsal dinners and birthday parties as well as for smaller sized weddings,” Khadar suggests. “Although the room is designed for more intimate gatherings, there is plenty of room for dancing, a band or a DJ.”

Blue Heron’s General Manager Khadar Soussou. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

Whether you choose the Blue Heron’s Grand Ballroom or its Heron Room for your function, Khadar promises the same top-quality meals that the venue has become known for. Blue Heron’s owners include Bill and Dawn Rini, owners of A Taste of Excellence catering, in Strongsville. Executive Chef and co-owner Ben Erjavec brings a diverse menu selection to the table, using the freshest ingredients sourced locally.

“Our newest concept, which is quickly becoming the most popular, is when we become a Brazilian steakhouse for your event,” Khadar says. “Our chefs carve table side, serving prime rib and tenderloin, skewered off prosciutto-wrapped herb chicken breasts and a lot of other fantastic selections.”

The Brazilian-style dinner includes family-style pasta, salad, vegetables and other items.

Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center is cranking up the personality. Turn right at the entrance to enter the fabulous brewery and steps away are the patio igloos. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

“This way you get the elegance of a plated meal combined with a fun experience that your guests probably haven’t enjoyed before at a wedding,” Khadar says. “Our meals are restaurant quality—not your average wedding food.”

Both event rooms feature full food and bar service.

“The Blue Heron is a one-stop shop for planning and hosting events of all kinds,” Khadar emphasizes. “All our catering is done in-house. All staffing is in-house. You can hold your wedding ceremony right on-site. You can hold an after-party on-site at our new Blue Heron Brewery and Restaurant. We own our own linen company and we have event coordinators right here.”

The bar at Blue Heron Brewery.

In contrast to the Heron Room, Blue Heron’s Main Ballroom offers a more traditional venue for large weddings.

“The Main Ballroom has a grand foyer and a nice view of the park,” Khadar says. “A spectacular amphitheater overlooking a pond makes a wonderful location for photos right outside the ballroom.”

You can see Blue Heron for yourself by attending its Second Annual St. Patrick’s Day party on Sunday, March 15, starting at noon.

“Our inaugural party last year was such a huge hit we had to do it again,” Khadar says.

In celebration, brewmaster and co-owner Mike Piazza will tap into a fresh keg of his new Dry Irish Stout. Food specials will be featured at the party as well as on the real St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17.

Meanwhile, Khadar invites, be sure to liven up your winter by reserving your heated outdoor igloo.

The eight-person igloos include comfortable lounge style furniture, full dining and bar service and a fire pit to keep you and seven friends warm.

The eight-person igloos include comfortable lounge style furniture, full dining and bar service and a fire pit to keep you and seven friends warm. You can view them on Facebook: Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center.

The Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center is located at 3227 Blue Heron Trace, in Medina. To inquire about having your next special event at the Event Center, call 330-870-BLUE. To reach the Brewery, call 330-870-BREW. Visit BlueHeronMedina.com for more information.