The Ashley Castle

Wedding Day

Ceremony & Reception

Reception

Our Wedding

Fate brought Melissa and Yury together in August 2017 in a Quinnipiac University parking lot when Melissa asked a stranger for a phone charger so she could find her way home. They quickly became close friends, with Melissa introducing Yury to her pup Ranger and hockey. Luckily Yury finally made his move in March of 2020 right as the world was shutting down. New and long distance relationships can always be challenging but the pandemic brought with it a whole new test. Nevertheless, through at first late night video chats and phone calls then masked dates their love grew. In March of 2021 Yury matched into a Medicine-Pediatrics residency program in Phoenix, Arizona so Yury, Melissa and Ranger drove across the country to start their new adventure in the desert. While they missed their families, living on their own allowed them to grow even closer together and support each other be it through Yury helping out with school bulletin boards or Melissa packing meals with little notes while Yury worked stretches of nightshifts. Then, on the second to last day of a vacation to Hawaii in October 2023, when Melissa was all but convinced she had gotten her nails done for nothing, Yury got down on one knee. And there, with the soothing sound of waves crashing on the North Shore of O'ahu in the background, Melissa said yes.

Our Story

Photos

Brittany is the bride's older sister. She's been Team Yury ever since Melissa invited him to her son's baptism party. She loves country music and is a big true crime junkie/ SVU fan. We both love you so much and can't imagine this day without you!

Brittany

Simply couldn't have asked for better brothers to grow up with! There's just something special about knowing no matter what happens Yury and Melissa can always count on them.

Eugene & Martin Fomin

Cassandra is one of the bride's younger cousins. She is a fellow University of Tampa Spartan and will forever be a part of Scooter Gang. 

Cassie

Gabby met the bride while working at Playgrounds in Tampa, Florida. Gabby is a fellow teacher and hockey lover, Go Bolts! She's an amazing friend and even though she lives far away from the bride, she's always there. 

Gabby

Yury's ride-or-die UCONN Husky crew. Bailed him out of some sticky situations and the only ones that can make him sweat playing Super Smash Bros.

Jason Levine, Yan Li & Mayur Shah

Yury met Pete in Linguistics 1010 which was his first class in college. Even though Pete dropped the class and didn't tell Yury he made amends with ice cream and the rest is history.

Peter Darinzo

Sam and Jess are both cousins of the bride. Sam is a fellow Swiftie and Teacher. Jess is super creative and has some seriously amazing art skills. We love you both and thank you for being part of our special day.

Sam & Jess

From elementary school and questionable coaching recommendation of staying in 3rd in high school track to working together at the public library and then both being Huskies at UConn Michael and Yury have been through a lot together during different stages of their lives.

Michael Costello

Rachel met the bride while she was working at Playgrounds in Tampa, Florida. Rachel brings so much joy and laughter into the world. She's unapologetically herself and is an amazing friend. 

Rachel

One of Yury's first friends in America. From riding in the back of his parent's minivan (with the VHS player which was just absolutely baller) to today they've remained super close.

Aleksey Klimchenko

Yury's friend since elementary school, cofounder of JWAC and fellow guacamole doritos aficionado

Mike McKenna

Isabella and Gigi are both younger cousins of the bride. Both girls are soccer stars. When they're not out on the field, Isabella is listening to Olivia Rodrigo and Gigi is building a really cool Lego set.

Bella & Gigi

Sara and Lily are both cousins of the bride. Sara is a kind-hearted person. She is always looking out for people she cares about. Lily is such a graceful and determined soul. Also, she has great taste in fashion. 

Sara & Lily

Vinny & Joey are both cousins of the bride. Joey is a Pokemon lover and Vinny is into anything computers.

Vinny & Joey

Max is the bride's nephew & godson. Max can see the beauty in all things around him. He's got quite the green thumb and loves art projects. We love this little guy more than anything and know he's going to crush it on our big day!

Wedding Party

Q: What airport should I fly into?A: If you are traveling to come to our wedding you will want to fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Q: What hotel should I stay at?A: We have blocked off hotel rooms at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler Hotel. Please use the link found on our hotel tab to receive our discounted rate. Rooms are first come, first serve. The discounted rate for a standard king room is $179/night and the rate for a double queen room is $189/night. In order to receive our discounted rate all bookings must be made prior to 2/14/25. Q: Will there be a shuttle to and from the hotel?A: We are currently looking at different options. We will know more once we have blocked off rooms at a hotel. Q: Are kids allowed at your wedding?A: Of course! We love both you and your little ones so, they are welcome to attend. Just please note that if you are bringing your child/children when you RSVP. Q: Can I bring a plus one?A: Yes, we would love for you to celebrate our day of love with your loved one. Please let us know if you are planning on including a plus one when you RSVP. Q: Where are you getting married?A: We will be getting married at the Ashley Castle in Chandler Arizona. The address of our venue is 1300 S Price Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286 Q: Is there parking at the venue?A: Yes, there is free self parking located at the venue. Q: Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?A: Our ceremony will be held outdoors at the Ashley Castle. Our reception will be indoors at The Ashley Castle following the ceremony. Q: What is the weather like in Arizona in March?A: The average temperature in Arizona in March is 77 degrees during the day and mid 50s at night. Q: Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?A: If you or a family member have dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free) please let us know so we can arrange an alternative option for you. Q: Will there be an open bar?A: We will be having an open bar for our entire wedding with last call being half hour before the event concludes. Q: Is there a dress code?A: Yes, formal attire is requested. Q:I have more questions about your wedding, who can I contact?A: If you have any other questions please feel free to contact Melissa or Yury. Melissa's email: meltorree@gmail.com and Yury's email is: fominyury@hotmail.com

Q + A

This is the closest airport to our venue's location. They have direct flights daily from JFK, LGA, Tampa, and Newark. The airport is about 25 minutes from the venue.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Travel

Kayak the Salt River

Rent a kayak and make your way down the Salt River taking in the beautiful desert landscape. If you're lucky some wild horses may even come by for a drink and to say hello!

Catch a Sunset at Papago Park

Can also take a short easy hike up to the Hole in the Rock for a view of the sunset over Downtown Phoenix

Challenge Yourself with a Hike in the middle of Phoenix

Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain are the two main ones located right in the middle of Phoenix. They are quite physically challenging (with Camelback being the tougher one). Make sure to have a good pair of shoes, plenty of water and a hiking buddy!

Explore Tempe

Take a nice loop around Tempe Town Lake (stopping for some ice cream from Sweet Republic or an IPA from Hundred Mile Brewery) or walk around Arizona State University and A Mountain.

Watch the Sunrise Over the Valley from a Hot Air Balloon

Worth the early morning alarm! We have had great experiences flying with Rainbow Ryders in the past.

Explore the Arizona High Country

Hike through the beauty of Sedona (2-2.5hr drive). Then afterwards reserve a patio table at The Vault to recharge with some "Trashcan Nachos"!

If time allows see the famous Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon (requires reservations)

Activities with Kids

For those with kids we recommend the visiting one of the aquariums (Sea Life Arizona is smaller and in Tempe, OdySea is bigger and in Scottsdale), the Phoenix Zoo, the Legoland Discovery Center and the Arizona Science Center.

Things to Do

Registry

Hilton Phoenix Chandler 

For our guests who are traveling from out of town, we have arranged a discounted hotel block, at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler. The hotel is located less than 5 minutes away from the venue. Please use the following link to secure your room and receive our wedding weekend discount. In order to receive our discounted rate rooms must be booked no later than 02/14/25. <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/phxchhf-itfw-3921a4e0-3984-42b5-9066-140f7afffc8e/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link To Hotel Booking</a>

Melissa & Yury

Melissa & Yury

M&Y

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–11:30 PM

Ceremony & Reception