From the owner Michael S. Novilla: Chris and Robyn were great to work with. Chris was trusting his soon to be wife with the overall design, which was fabulous, as Robyn, a fellow native from St. Petersburg, has excellent taste and terrific DIY skills. They both worked towards a specific look and feel which is so perfect for our venue. They listened to our advice and the results were truly spectacular – a fresh, unique, beautifully personalized atmosphere with a gorgeous overall aesthetic. Bravo to Robyn and Chris for creating such a wonderful rustic chic with a touch of vintage wedding for themselves and their guests. They smiled and stayed positive and focused along the way, perfect NOVA clients for us to work with. Congratulations to Robyn and Chris!! =D
The Proposal:
Chris and I met in Tallahassee while I was in my junior year at Florida State University. While working at the DoubleTree Hotel, we were the cliché of the chef and the waitress. We experienced so much over the 11 years we had been together, sharing through 5 cities with our 2 dogs.
Chris and I woke up one average morning in the summer in between travel for his work. He asked me the night before, while I was half asleep, what my schedule was the next day, and I mistakenly answered with “I’m off.’ which was not accurate. Although, Chris thought it meant it was the perfect day. Long story short, I woke up to a gorgeous ring in my face and him on one knee next to the bed. I wasn’t actually off, but I had a pretty amazing day at work!
How would you describe your theme?
Rustic chic with a touch of vintage. There was so much I loved and was inspired by, and I just had to encompass every bit of what I loved.
What were your colors?
Rose pink, mint, celadon and champagne. I wanted soft and classic colors in the flowers and the dresses, with a nice contrast.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We knew we needed a place for ceremony and reception in one and both loved that barn wedding look, but wanted to be sure it was us and timeless and classic. Ultimately it was a place that was a blank canvas in a way that helped bring our vision to life, and NOVA 535 was perfect.
It had so much character; the bamboo courtyard where we had the ceremony was like nothing I have ever seen. The brick, dual staircase, upstairs balcony and of course their famous restrooms, all were unique open spaces which really allowed us to add our style and soften the lighting for that rustic, vintage feel. Working with a bride and groom who lived out of state, I am sure wasn’t easy, but Michael and his team there at NOVA really have a good thing going.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: NOVA 535
Photographer: Kristina Houser Photography
Planner: Rubies and Pearls
Florist: Redman Steele Floral Design
Caterer: Olympia Catering
Rentals: Olympia Catering
Cake: Olympia Catering
DJ: NOVA 535
Officiant: Jay Kaminsky
Invitations: 4 Love of Polka Dots
Stationary: Jrae Card Art, Brown Paper Moon
Dress: Mori Lee
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: After Six by Dessy
Hair: Twist Salon ;Salon Lofts – Amy Lockhart
Makeup: Keisha Justo
Anna Coats is a wedding blogger from Marry Me Tampa Bay which showcases local weddings in the Tampa Bay area. Her 11-11-11 St. Petersburg, FL wedding was featured on USA Today.
If you are looking for a unique, modernized historic venue here in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida to host a wedding, reception, mitzvah or corporate event, then look no further. After 1,000 successful events, perfected The NOVA Way, trust NOVA 535 with your memories today. GET STARTED online or call / text 949-873-6682.