This wasn’t about tradition. The “big wedding” is still to come, a destination bash in Jamaica. But this? This was the real moment they became married. And they wanted it to feel like them.
“We’re doing a big wedding later, but this is when we’re actually getting married,” Marissa told me. “So we wanted it to be fun and casual—something just for us.”
Enter: the Aero Diner in CT. A silver bullet of nostalgia with a neon OPEN sign and a literal airplane on the roof. Dave is an aeronautical engineer. Marissa wore a short 60s-inspired dress with cat-eye glasses. They had fries and milkshakes. Bella, their dog, wore pearls. Yes, pearls.
There was an officiant, vows, and a marriage license. But everything else felt more like a shoot built around who they are and what they love: vintage diners, Star Wars references, deep laughter, and dancing around like no one’s watching.
This isn’t about “having a wedding.”
It’s about living the hell out of it.
You’re not getting married to check a box. It’s a day full of meaning, chaos, and connection that deserves to be experienced.
You don’t need proof you got married. You want proof that it mattered!
We made time for everything—from outside the diner, to milkshakes at the booth, to graffiti walls and champagne pops.
They wanted to feel married, but not necessarily look formal.
They met during business school, working together in a group project—initially thinking nothing of each other. But as fate would have it, Marissa had to move back from London to care for her mom in Rhode Island. Dave delayed his enrollment. Their paths aligned. It felt—her words—“like getting hit by a bolt of lightning.”
And in a way, that’s what this session was: lightning in a bottle. Spontaneous. Unscripted. Full of laughter and tiny details with big meaning.
“Honestly, I think I’m more excited for this one than the big wedding,” Marissa said. “This feels like us. And I’m so happy my dog can be in it.”
Marissa & Dave—thank you for inviting me into your side quest. You turned a mini-elopement into something full of style, story, and soul. Your wedding may be in Jamaica—but your marriage started here, with fries and a milkshake. 🍟💛🥂
ladman studios
TJ Ladzinski is a Connecticut-based wedding photographer known for blending cinematic artistry with genuine, unscripted moments. His approach strikes the perfect balance between candid and intentional creativity, resulting in photos that feel authentic yet elevated.
Recognized in top wedding publications for his craft, TJ is dedicated to capturing the heart of each couple’s story. With an laid-back and playful energy, he ensures the experience is as seamless and enjoyable as the photos themselves.
