Wedding Day

Wedding

Champagne Manor

Reception

Our Wedding

<p>We're getting married!!!!! You're cordially invited--either in-person or over Zoom--to the nuptials of Melissa Ann Petrofsky to Kwame Lamar White, on August 21st, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

Temecula Sunrise!!!

<h4>"THERE IS NO END TO THE ADVENTURES WE CAN HAVE, IF ONLY WE SEEK THEM WITH OUR EYES OPEN."-NEHRU</h4><p>Kwame and Melissa first laid eyes on each other at Starbucks.  They met after work and before Kwame had to get back to attend a KUCI station meeting.  Melissa was nervous.  Kwame was delirious from lack of sleep-Kwame had been up sine 3:00 in the morning from doing the After Hours Clinic.  Somehow, they made a connection and the rest is history.</p>

A journey began...

Our Story

Details

Matthew Heckner

We started out as college roommates, refugees from terrible experiences in our first year.  We ended as lifelong friends.  Julie is my oldest, and dearest friend.  She's been through all of the trials and celebrations of my life.  She is intelligent, kind, loving, and cares for people, friends, and family.  She's the loving wife to her husband Kiley, mother to her son, Carson, and two feisty beagles, Woody and Lola.  Julie's heart has a generous spirit and has volunteered for charities she believes in.  We've explored everywhere in Vegas, Napa, Scottsdale, and San Diego together.  She has always been there when I need her and I am so excited she will stand by my side as I say my vows to my partner in life.

Julie Jones

CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Claudia is one of my dearest friends.  We met the first day of law school orientation.  We sat next to each other as Prof. Leary explained to us how 1/3 of us wouldn't be there at graduation. According to Kian, Claudia is very nice.  She is also kind and cares about others. She values family and is always there for me as a friend. She's driven, ambitious, very intelligent, and creative.  Other than Kwame, she's my favorite museum buddy.  She appreciates art and culture, as well as poetry and lectures.  For this reason, I have given her the special job at my wedding of Creative and Artistic Director.  She has a great eye, and gave great advice on my fabulous engagement photo dress.  She's been my advisor and companion in wedding shows and was there for me when I said yes to the dress.

Claudia Gomez

Our Jr. Best Man/Lifeguard/DJ for our day, is the our own, Kian Carter Rafiei-White.&nbsp; Kwame and Melissa are not just coming together as a couple, but as a family.&nbsp; Kian is a kind, loving, intelligent, gregarious little soul.&nbsp; He has a creative spark, just like his dad, and loves playing and swimming.&nbsp; He is the best Jedi or Sith lord in the galaxy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kian Carter Rafiei-White

DIY AND HORTICULTURE DESIGNER

Like most of my tribe, I met Marisa after she replaced me at the same aforementioned firm.  Marisa is a firecracker.  She's wicked smart and is an amazing yoga instructor to boot.  She always thinks about the good in people and is loyal and kind, especially to her friends.  And she grows the most amazing succulents through her business, Sammy's Succulents, which you will see around the wedding.  She's creative and talented, and will be creative much of the decor around the wedding.  If our wedding is a third as beautiful as Marisa is, inside and out, I will be more than elated.

Marisa Commerford

HONOR ATTENDANT

Cindy is my fabulous sister-in-law.  She's sweet, and smart, and conscious of the world around her.  We had the best experience shopping together for my dress, even though we didn't find the one.  I helped plan her wedding to my brother and now she's helping to plan mine.  I am so grateful to have her as my sister.

Cindy Cheng

HEIDI DEGROOT

HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR

Heidi is our hostess with the mostest.  We've been friends since I started at my past law firm, 15 years ago!  She is smart and considerate.  She's a fabulous wife to Todd, mom to Kate and Emma, grandmother to Hunter and Dog-mom to Duncan and Lucy.  Heidi is not only a trailblazer and a true friend, she's exceptionally strong and and amazing cook and hostess.  I'm honored she's joined my bride tribe.

Heidi DeGroot

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Hacienda Que Syrah

Near Old Town Temecula Community TheaterMake yourself at home in one of the 98 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 42-inch LCD televisions with digital programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula, you'll be centrally located in Temecula, within a 15-minute drive of Pechanga Resort & Casino and Old Town Temecula Community Theater.  This hotel is 4.2 mi (6.8 km) from Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course and 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from Ponte Winery.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Kaiser Permanente - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  Old Town Temecula Community Theater - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  Promenade - 3.4 km / 2.1 mi  Rancho Family Medical Group - Temecula Makena - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course - 6.8 km / 4.2 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 7.3 km / 4.5 mi  Thorton Winery - 7.5 km / 4.6 mi  Callaway Vineyard and Winery - 7.6 km / 4.7 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.9 km / 5.5 mi  Pechanga Resort & Casino - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Rancho Palomar Winery - 9.5 km / 5.9 mi  Redhawk Golf Course - 9.9 km / 6.1 mi  Van Roekel Winery - 10.5 km / 6.5 mi  The nearest airports are:San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 97 km / 60.3 mi Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 9.9 km / 6.1 mi Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 63.9 km / 39.7 mi The preferred airport for Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN). Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a fireplace in the lobby.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Temecula? This hotel has facilities measuring 1064 square feet (99 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.For your convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily from 6 AM to 10 AM.

Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula

Near Old Town Temecula Community TheaterMake yourself at home in one of the 176 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 37-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country, you'll be centrally located in Temecula, within a 15-minute drive of Pechanga Resort & Casino and Old Town Temecula Community Theater.  This hotel is 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course and 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Ponte Winery.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Kaiser Permanente - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Old Town Temecula Community Theater - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Promenade - 3.2 km / 2 mi  Callaway Vineyard and Winery - 5.8 km / 3.6 mi  Thorton Winery - 6.3 km / 3.9 mi  Rancho Family Medical Group - Temecula Makena - 6.5 km / 4 mi  Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 7.2 km / 4.4 mi  Rancho Palomar Winery - 7.7 km / 4.8 mi  Redhawk Golf Course - 7.9 km / 4.9 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 8.2 km / 5.1 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.2 km / 5.1 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.3 km / 5.2 mi  Van Roekel Winery - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Pechanga Resort & Casino - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  The nearest airports are:San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 96.9 km / 60.2 mi Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 10.3 km / 6.4 mi Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 63.6 km / 39.5 mi The preferred airport for Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN). Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Temecula? This hotel has facilities measuring 3200 square feet (297 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.Enjoy a satisfying meal at The Sweet Spot serving guests of Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country

Near Old Town Temecula Community TheaterMake yourself at home in one of the 60 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed, and all rooms are furnished with sofa beds. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.With a stay at Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel &Suites, you'll be centrally located in Temecula, a 1-minute drive from Old Town Temecula Community Theater and 12 minutes from Pechanga Resort & Casino.  This hotel is 3.7 mi (6 km) from Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course and 6.7 mi (10.8 km) from Ponte Winery.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Kaiser Permanente - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Old Town Temecula Community Theater - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Promenade - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi  Rancho Family Medical Group - Temecula Makena - 4.9 km / 3.1 mi  Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course - 6 km / 3.7 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 6.2 km / 3.9 mi  Callaway Vineyard and Winery - 6.8 km / 4.2 mi  Thorton Winery - 7.5 km / 4.7 mi  Pechanga Resort & Casino - 8.2 km / 5.1 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 8.4 km / 5.2 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.4 km / 5.2 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi  Rancho Palomar Winery - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Redhawk Golf Course - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Van Roekel Winery - 9.7 km / 6 mi  The nearest airports are:Los Angeles - Ontario Intl. Airport (ONT) - 83.7 km / 52 mi Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 10.4 km / 6.4 mi Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 63.1 km / 39.2 mi The preferred airport for Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel &Suites is Los Angeles - Ontario Intl. Airport (ONT). Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this Tuscan-style hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel &Suites. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily.

Best Western Plus Temecula Wine Country Hotel &Suites

Near Temecula Creek Inn Golf CourseMake yourself at home in one of the 130 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Rooms have private balconies. Digital programming along with iPod docking stations are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.When you stay at Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, you'll be in the historical district, a 2-minute drive from Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course and 7 minutes from Pechanga Resort & Casino.  This 4-star hotel is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Old Town Temecula Community Theater and 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from Ponte Winery.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  Rancho Family Medical Group - Temecula Makena - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 3.3 km / 2 mi  Pechanga Resort & Casino - 3.3 km / 2.1 mi  Kaiser Permanente - 3.8 km / 2.4 mi  Old Town Temecula Community Theater - 3.9 km / 2.4 mi  Redhawk Golf Course - 4.9 km / 3.1 mi  Promenade - 8.1 km / 5 mi  Callaway Vineyard and Winery - 9.7 km / 6 mi  Thorton Winery - 10 km / 6.2 mi  Rancho Palomar Winery - 11.6 km / 7.2 mi  Temecula Valley Hospital - 12.2 km / 7.6 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 12.2 km / 7.6 mi  Rancho Springs Medical Center - 12.3 km / 7.6 mi  Van Roekel Winery - 12.6 km / 7.8 mi  The nearest airports are:San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 93.1 km / 57.9 mi Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 14.3 km / 8.9 mi Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 59.9 km / 37.2 mi The preferred airport for Temecula Creek Inn is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN). Pamper yourself with onsite massages, body treatments, and facials. After practicing your swing on the golf course, you can enjoy other recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Additional features at this hotel include concierge services, wedding services, and a fireplace in the lobby.Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Temecula? This hotel has facilities measuring 8300 square feet (771 square meters), including conference space.Grab a bite to eat at Cork Fire Kitchen, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

Melissa & Kwame

Melissa & Kwame

M&K

Wedding Day

11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Wedding

Reception