Somer Khouri Bedran and Lisa Costin

Co-Founders of A Charming Fête

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.

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, highly personal events is what she does best. Lisa has a Marketing degree and an MBA from John Carroll University.

Somer operates as Event Director of A Charming Fête, overseeing the planning, producing and execution of all events as well as client satisfaction. Bringing an exceptional level of client service and management to the firm, Somer’s push to be the best has helped grow the business to new heights. 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 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.

Together, Lisa and Somer find it most rewarding to watch an event come to fruition, to see the vision fully achieved and the overjoyed emotional reaction of clients when their expectations are exceeded. This in itself is why they do what they do. It is truly a dream job to be entrusted with delivering the gift of joy to their clients on one of the most special days of their lives.

Chelsea Dettorre . Senior Event Planner and Production Manager

Chelsea has been an integral member of our team for several years and has grown into a successful Senior Event Planner. She is well seasoned on all types of events and can manage the planning process and day-of production 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.

May Chelala . Event Planner

May joins our team with over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality and service industry. She is leading our Southern Florida expansion office with “boots on the ground” and partnering 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.

Brynn Szorady . Senior Event Designer

Brynn’s distinctive creativity, keen eye for detail and relentless drive to design and produce unforgettable events has led to her role as a senior event planner and designer on the ACF Team. Brynn is dedicated to providing the highest level of service by collaborating with clients on their vision to create that one-of-a-kind event every client dreams of! Brynn’s warm and outgoing personality along with her contagious smile is what makes the client experience much more personable. 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.

Kelsey Aller . Senior Event Planner

Kelsey began with the company as an Assistant and quickly progressed into a Lead Planner role. Communication and organization are two of her many strengths. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Prior to event planning, 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 manages client needs. She strives to create a smooth communication process and to deliver the highest level of service for clients, internal team 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.  

Roula El-Khoury . Event Planner and Production Manager

Roula has successfully produced and executed many diverse events under the ACF umbrella 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.

Prior to joining the ACF team, Roula worked as a design manager for a renovation company. Her interest and love for interior design and architecture brings depth to our events. She 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.  

Alyse Butts . Executive Assistant

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 Fete office! Alyse enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and golfing.

Erica Moran . Senior Event Planner

Erica is a Cleveland native, wanderluster, sports fanatic and animal lover. She graduated with a business degree from Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama but chose to return home to Ohio to pursue Event Planning as her passion. With a love for people and beautiful events, Erica loves working with clients on a collaborative vision and bringing it to life in the most harmonious fashion. Her organization skills and attention to detail are always on point. 

Kendyl Diggins . Assistant Planner + Coordinator

Abbie Palmer . Assistant Planner

Hannah Garcia . Event Assistant

Erin Handwork . Event Assistant

Jacqueline DiCillo . Event Assistant

Julie Kaiser . Event Assistant

See a sampling of their press features here and read reviews and client testimonials here.