named best planner by

We create beautiful, cohesive environments leaving guests wowed by a sumptuous, yet seemingly effortless experience.

Somer Khouri Bedran and Lisa Costin 

meet our founders

Since launching A Charming Fête in 2011, Somer and Lisa have worked side-by-side to grow their business into one of the top wedding planning firms in the country. They often refer to themselves as the “yin and yang,” as their different personalities and opposite areas of focus have brought a perfect harmony and balance to their partnership and greatly contributed to the success of their brand.

Together, Lisa and Somer find it most rewarding to be entrusted by their clients to deliver joy on the most precious, significant, milestone days. Their passion is seeing an event come to fruition and playing a part in creating unforgettable and everlasting memories. This in itself is why they do what they do. 

Lisa operates as Creative Director of A Charming Fête, overseeing and directing the design aesthetic and creative quality of events while maintaining the integrity and polish of the ACF brand.

Lisa’s passion and vision for event design and high level aspirations to produce nothing less than perfection are a driving force within the company. With a maximum attention to detail and a carefully trained eye, producing beautiful cohesive environments and refined yet highly personal events is what she does best. Lisa has a Marketing degree and an MBA from John Carroll University.

Lisa Costin 

Co-Founder

With a global presence in the industry, Somer operates as Event Director of A Charming Fête, overseeing the planning, producing of events as well as client and vendor partner relations.

Serving high profile clientele is her specialty. Clients and family can arrive and be truly hosted and cared for, they are able to simply enjoy the event without worry. Often referred to by those who know her as “boss lady”, she is a master at crisis aversion. No obstacle is too large as she routinely navigates effectively and effortlessly through any challenge. Somer has a Marketing degree from John Carroll University and she also studied at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. 

Somer Khouri Bedran

Co-Founder

the Charming Fête team

Our team artfully balances both the logistic and aesthetic elements for a seamless and unforgettable guest experience

Chelsea Dettorre

Senior Event Planner and Production Manager

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Brynn Szorady

Senior Event Designer

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Kelsey Aller

Senior Event Planner

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Roula El-Khoury

Event Planner and Production Manager 

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May Chelala

Event Planner 

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Valera Ghali

Event Planner 

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Alyse Butts

Executive Assistant

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Chelsea is a leader of the ACF team with nearly ten years of event management and wedding planning experience under her belt. She is well seasoned on all types of events and can manage the planning process and day-of production and coordination with grace and ease.

She is a true go-getter, hardworking, loyal, supportive, creative and highly organized. Her energy keeps the momentum flowing forward for flawless event execution. No obstacle is too large. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Cleveland State. When she is not working on events, she loves to read, craft, bowl and do outdoor activities. 

Chelsea Dettorre

Senior Event Planner and Production Manager

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Brynn’s distinctive creativity, keen eye for detail and relentless drive to design has led to her role as a senior event designer on the ACF team. Brynn provides the highest level of service by collaborating with clients on their vision to create that one-of-a-kind event. Brynn’s warm and outgoing personality along with her contagious smile is what makes the client experience personable and enjoyable. Event design has always been Brynn’s passion – whether it’s interior decorating, styling, editing, or creating festive holiday décor, Brynn draws inspiration from daily life and uses her unique flair to ensure that each design is set apart from the others. Brynn is also a very talented photographer by hobby and has captured many behind the scenes details from our events. She also contributes as a content creator and editor for social media. Brynn holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing from The University of Akron. Brynn is a lifelong Clevelander, an avid sports fan and dog mom to her sweet golden retriever, Roo.

Brynn Szorady

Senior Event Designer

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Kelsey has proven to be a trusted and top lead planner on our team. Communication and organization are two of her many strengths. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Prior to her event planning career, Kelsey honed her patient, calm, genuine demeanor, organization skills and ability to multitask in her previous career as an elementary school teacher.

Kelsey has a knack for reading the room and accurately and effectively managing client needs. Her communication strength and understanding contribute to her success delivering the highest level of service for both clients and vendor partners. Her kindness shines bright. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys traveling with family, wanderlusting with friends and crafting up her next great adventure.

Kelsey Aller

Senior Event Planner

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As a former design manager, Roula’s interest and love for interior design and architecture brings depth to our ACF team. During her time with ACF, Roula has successfully produced and executed many diverse events and cares deeply about creating a positive client experience. She is meticulous and organized with an incredible work ethic. Roula loves people and is passionate about serving clients and building lasting relationships. She truly enjoys what she does, producing events makes her heart smile. She loves transforming spaces and believes every occasion, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to create something beautiful, unique and unforgettable. Roula graduated from Cleveland State University with BA in communications/public relations. Roula is culturally-savvy and speaks three languages. In her home life, Roula is a mother to two boys, they are her greatest pride and joy.  

Roula El-Khoury

Event Planner and Production Manager 

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May joins our team with over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality and service industry. She has led our Southern Florida expansion and partnered with our creative team to create inspired, luxury events for clients throughout the South. Formerly of The Ritz-Carlton Company, May was honored by “The Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association” for Hospitality Leadership Award in South of Florida. May leads with a passionate drive for excellence. Her commitment to honesty, integrity, loyalty and eye for detail contribute to her success in producing luxury, high-touch events with impeccable service. 

May Chelala

Event Planner 

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Valera is an experienced attorney, graduating with a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She advocates for our clients to make their ideal event come to life by coordinating clear communication and execution with vendors. She has a meticulous attention to detail and sharp research skills, making any client request possible! She is an expert in contract review, translation and negotiation as well as a seasoned global traveler, most recently adding destination weddings in Lake Como to her specialty. In her spare time, Valera enjoys reading, attending musicals, and spending time with family and friends. 

Valera Ghali

Event Planner 

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Alyse joined the team in 2020 as the Executive Assistant to Somer and Lisa. Previously, she held numerous managerial roles in the business community for 30+ years. She approaches all aspects of her role with a positive attitude and hard-working mindset. She is passionate about our clients and the success of our events. She is the friendly voice that will most likely greet you when you call the ACF office. Alyse enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and golfing.

Alyse Butts

Executive Assistant

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