Vintage, Gold, Black and Ivory Downtown St. Pete Wedding
From the Owner Michael S. Novilla:
Rebecca and Mike’s vintage downtown St. Pete wedding here at NOVA 535 was such a perfect match. They are such a cute, lovely couple and their wanting a 1920’s venue to fit their Gatsby theme helped draw them to us. NOVA 535 offers a beautiful slice of history, being built in 1920, making it one of the oldest venues in the entire Tampa Bay region. It’s always delightful to see couples like Mike and Rebecca, who are obviously deeply in love, that glow and love bubble they exude is wonderful for everyone around them to enjoy. I’m honored that they chose NOVA to host their most special day. Congratulations, and much love and hugs to Rebecca and Mike!
What were the deciding factors for choosing NOVA 535?
It was important for us to find a venue in our budget where we could hold all the wedding day activities in one place and that allowed us to still bring in our own vendors. NOVA 535 Unique Event Space was more than willing to accommodate our entire day from the getting ready suites, to the courtyard ceremony and indoor reception. Neither Mike and I are fans of hotel ballrooms with ugly carpet and bad lighting, and we did not want a beach wedding. We wanted to show our guests a different side of “Florida weddings” that matched our personalities: quirky and fun. After a very disappointing first venue that left me discouraged, NOVA 535 was our second venue visit. It was love at (second) sight!
The Proposal:
It was a complete surprise! We were coming up on our two-year anniversary, but hadn’t decided on celebrating with any special plans. Little did I know, Mike was already planning to propose later in the year at the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon, but as soon as he had the ring, he couldn’t wait to ask!
It was a normal Friday afternoon, as I came home from a pretty rough day at work, both arms full of my belongings. As soon as I walked in, I dropped all of it! He had secretly taken the day off work and bought every single rose at the florist! There were pink, red and white roses and bunches of candles and balloons everywhere! And there was Mike, dressed up and down on one knee. I immediately threw my hands over my mouth and started to cry, as he also got emotional, he completely skipped what he had prepared to say and asked me to marry him! Of course it was a very happy, “YES!” and we spent what felt like the next 10 minutes embracing in the doorway.
What was your theme?
Our elegant and vintage theme was based off Gatsby-esque style: metallics, sparkles and lace. Mike liked more elegant wedding styles and rich colors; he chose the colors for the wedding: gold, black and ivory. It was the first thing we did after becoming engaged! His alma mater is the University of Central Florida and the colors worked well for what we had in mind for a decor theme.
What was your favorite part about holding your wedding at NOVA 535?
There is nowhere like NOVA 535 in the area. Even as beautiful as it is alone, it is a blank canvas to tailor to your personal style and theme. Found in beautiful downtown St. Pete, NOVA 535 has an ambiance that just makes you want to party and enjoy yourself. While the guys bonded at the bar downstairs, us girls enjoyed having our suite and own bar in the loft to spend time together getting ready.
Our day of coordinator, Ruby, was the best! She made sure that everything leading up to and day of the wedding was executed impeccably, including making sure Mike and I did not see each other while being under the same roof!
“NOVA 535 was more than willing to accommodate our entire day from the getting ready suites, to the courtyard ceremony and indoor reception. We wanted to show our guests a different side of “Florida weddings” that matched our personalities: quirky and fun,” the bride explained. “There is nowhere like NOVA 535 in the area. From the exposed brick walls, wood floors, outstanding bar, and iron staircases, the venue is stunning!”
Venue: NOVA 535
Venue Coordinator: Rubies & Pearls
Photographer: Jason Mize Photography
Florist: Taylormade Weddings
Rentals: A Chair Affair
Groom’s Cake: Sweetie’s Delights
Cupcakes: Frostings, Inc.
DJ: DJ Jaey
Officiant: Reverend Tom Greene
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Dress: Stella York
Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG and David’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio
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.