Sullenberger Aviation Museum Lands First Wedding
Volunteer and Fiancée Will Tie the Knot
Growing up in a military family, Todd Scandrett wanted to become a pilot but was told he was too tall. He ended up serving in the U.S. Army for 18 years before taking a medical retirement as a major in 2013. He volunteers twice a week at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum and even started an aviation-focused nonprofit for disabled veterans called ResurgencePPG.
But those dreams of flying never faded. “I enjoy sharing my love of aviation with the guests,” said Scandrett. “I primarily volunteer with the simulators and really enjoy seeing the multitude of reactions as they try to fly the various airplanes.”
Little did Scandrett, a widower, know that his passion for aviation would ultimately lead him to find love again with his fiancée, Genevieve Mezinskis, a senior developer and data analyst at Wells Fargo.
Two years ago, shortly after Valentine’s Day, Scandrett and Mezinskis met online. She quickly learned of his fascination with flight and within a few dates, Scandrett took her on a very adventurous outing — a tandem ride in his paramotor (a type of powered paraglider).
“It was exciting; I don’t have a fear of heights,” said Mezinskis. “I was maybe a little bit scared, but once you get up there, you are not moving very fast.”
“It was a beautiful sunset flight, and she got to see why my flying hobbies consumed my conversations,” added Scandrett. “Unfortunately, the landing did not go so well, and I rolled it over right after touchdown. We were both hanging upside down, and once I got Gen unbuckled and assessed the damage (Gen also had a bloody nose and Todd had a broken wrist), I was sure this was the end of our relationship,” he admitted. “But she looked at me and asked, ‘When were we going to go again?’ At that moment, I knew she was dedicated to us, through even the toughest of circumstances.”
Despite that very bumpy landing, a love connection was made, and now their May wedding will be the first-ever nuptials at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum since it opened in June 2024 — a ceremony and reception for 150 guests featuring dinner, dancing and a scavenger hunt in the main gallery space.
“We had looked at other venues here in Charlotte,” said Scandrett. “But our thoughts kept returning to wanting to have a memorable experience for our guests. You can’t beat having an F-14 sitting there while you are tying the knot.”
The museum provides a stunning venue for numerous events and tours throughout the year. Now, it’s gearing up for an extra special evening.
“We couldn’t be more excited that the very first wedding at the new Sullenberger Aviation Museum is for one of our incredible volunteers!” said Misty Sweat, the museum’s vice president of education. “Our museum is built on a love for aviation and community, and it’s truly special to see it now become a place for love and new beginnings. We are honored to be a part of this unforgettable moment in their lives.”
For more information about events, rentals and other programs at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, visit sullenbergeraviation.org or call (704) 997.3770.