Say, Yes!

Here’s some advice to newly betrothed couples who got engaged over the holidays: Wedding planning can be all-consuming. The biggest decision (aside from your spouse, and, of course, the dress) is the venue. 

Last fall a former Cleveland landmark, Michaud’s, reopened as Encore Event Center after a year of down-to-the-studs renovation.

President and co-owner Khadar Soussou says the 80,000-square-foot facility has already hosted lavish weddings and unforgettable events. The ultra-creative wedding planning team at Encore has master-minded affairs that are beautifully reflective of the bride and groom.

“We take time to get to know a couple’s tastes and signature style,” he says. “Busy people appreciate that we take care of all the details—photography, flowers, bakery, lighting, photo booth, linens to suit any color palette and the totally customized wedding menu. Pretty much all they need to worry about is showing up.” 

Signature Venues Within a Venue

Encore includes eight distinctive event spaces, each with its own personality and decor. They suit occasions from a meeting of 20 people to a wedding with 1,000 guests.

The smallest room, the Starlight, is a multilevel space with dramatic dark woods for up to 100 guests. The Bravo Room is elegantly adorned in cream and white with opulent gold accents, crystal chandeliers cascading from the ceiling, and mirrored walls for up to 250 guests.

Its largest, most opulent venue is the 12,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, with a private entrance, layers of lighting, dance floor lighting, two stages, a private bar, chic new furniture and state-of-the-art audio visuals.

Make Your Day

As a wedding venue, you know you’ve made it when the local wedding planners sing your praises.

Classic Chic Co. had this to report after a recent wedding at Encore:

“Working with Khadar and his team is always a pleasure … but when they make the impossible possible and they exceed all expectations they deserve a shout out. My client kept worrying about the incoming rains ruining her dream outdoor cocktail social. That chance almost took a turn when it downpoured an hour before the event. The entire team ran and made sure everything was covered and was able to still turn it all around and make it happen. Watching the bride look out at the guests during the cocktail hour and say, ‘This made my day’ was so gratifying and would not have been possible without Khadar, Roula and Jamie! You have my thousand thanks and endless appreciation.”

Planning Splendid Outdoor Events

Looking ahead to spring and summer, Khadar says they are busy planning their entertainment lineup for the beautifully appointed 1-acre courtyard. Stay tuned for an announcement of upcoming dates.

“We plan to host concerts, steak nights and wine nights,” he says. “Look for our own food truck, Flight Bites, to be parked in the truck park patio, as well as other local favorites.”

Guests have enjoyed the courtyard’s five roaring fire pits, glorious fountains (one is modeled on the jumping waters at the Bellagio in Las Vegas), a putt-putt golf hole, and spacious natural wood pavilion in the center that can hold up to 400 people. 

“So the event venues feel even more spacious, we built five separate patios that are adjacent to one another,” he says.

Encore’s sister restaurants include The Aviator Event Center & Pub at 20920 Brookpark Road in Cleveland next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and Via Roma at 8922 Ridge Road, in North Royalton.

Encore Event Center

16808 Pearl Road, Strongsville

440-238-7078

EncoreCLE.com