Wedding

Romantic 1920s Great Gatsby Inspired Downtown St. Pete Wedding | NOVA 535

Alyssa and Michael's downtown St. Petersburg wedding was a dazzling affair, brimming with 1920s-inspired details that reflected the couple's love and dedication. From the breathtaking bridal bouquet to the stunning nighttime portraits to their grand departure in a vintage Rolls Royce, the bride and groom curated a magical December evening.

“Our wedding theme was one of the first things we chose when we started planning the wedding; the Great Gatsby 1920s, black, white, and champagne just seemed to fit our personality. My husband and I are both old souls, and we got married in our twenties and in the 2020s!” the bride beamed. “We also loved the idea of the traditional black-tie vibes, so we thought incorporating those together would be the perfect blend.”

Alyssa and her partner brought warmth and personal charm to their winter wedding, delighting their 194 guests with thoughtful details. The couple added a special touch by placing personalized thank you cards at each table, while the bride lovingly handcrafted the floral centerpieces and a majority of the heartwarming signage.

“We incorporated our personalities into this wedding with subtle details such as personalized thank you cards instead of menus on the charger plates at the guest tables,” Alyssa revealed. “I handmade all my floral centerpieces and the majority of the signage featured at the wedding.”

The St. Petersburg bride and groom made their Gatsby wedding dreams come true in the enchanting century-old NOVA 535 event venue. The Brazilian hardwood floors, clay brick walls, 16-foot ceilings, and dreamy lighting set the stage for their romantic indoor wedding.

“For the venue, we wanted to find something that was preferably built in the 1920s with exposed brick walls. We really needed something that was going to bring our vision to life, which NOVA 535 absolutely did!” the bride beamed. “We chose NOVA 535 because the location was prime, the vibes were on par with our theme, and the staff was wonderful and helpful. NOVA's team goes above and beyond to make your wedding day everything you ever dreamed of and more. April and Ruby truly made the wedding day itself move so effortlessly and dreamy. I couldn't have asked for a better venue and team; they were fantastic.”

To ensure every special moment of their wedding day was captured, the couple sought a talented team for photography and videography. They found the perfect fit in Iyrus Weddings, who skillfully guided them through the day, ensuring no cherished memory went unnoticed.

“We were looking for a local wedding photographer and videographer that we could trust to capture our special day and not miss any of the details,” Alyssa explained. “Iyrus Weddings did our engagement photos, and once we finished up our engagement session, I asked Will right then and there if he could shoot and film our wedding day. Will has a way of making you feel comfortable behind the camera and guiding you through the whole process. From his great personality to his amazing work, it was very easy to choose him as our photo and video vendor. On the day of the wedding, he helped keep us on time. He truly goes above and beyond to get the perfect shot and does it like it is second nature to him. He makes you feel like you are shooting for Vogue magazine. We felt like celebrities on our wedding day. His team of videographers and editors were on it, and we got our video and photos back in less than a month!”

Alyssa fondly recalled the unforgettable moments of their wedding, including celebrating with guests and their grand exit.

“The most memorable moments were being able to actually join in the cocktail hour with our friends and family, the sparkler exit was magical, and of course, the awesome vintage Rolls Royce getaway car,” Alyssa reminisced. “Royal Transportation drove us around downtown, and everyone stopped and stared like we were famous. It's not every day you get to sit in the backseat of a piece of history.”

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Black and Gold Wedding Invitation Inspiration Flatlay with White Bridal Sunglasses, Lace Garter and Dried Floral Details
Fit and Flare Wedding Dress with Lace Detail and Deep V Neck
Open Back Fit and Flare Wedding Dress Bridal Portrait with Long Cathedral Veil | St. Pete Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings | Venue NOVA 535

Iyrus Weddings makes you feel like you are shooting for Vogue magazine. We felt like celebrities on our wedding day.”

-The Bride

Glam Bridal Portrait with Boho Bridal Bouquet Mix of Dried and Live Florals in Blush and Beige Roses Inspiration | St. Pete Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings
Mix of Dried and Live Florals in Blush and Beige Roses Boho Bridal Wedding Bouquet Inspiration
Bride with Bridesmaids in Mix and Match Blush Bridesmaids Dresses and Pink Ballgown Flower Girl Dresses Wedding Portrait
Bride with Bridesmaids in Mix and Match Blush and Nude Bridesmaids Dresses Wedding Portrait

Where did you go for your bachelorette party?
My bachelorette party was in Las Vegas, Nevada, and so was my husband's bachelor party.  Michael and I have always loved to celebrate in Vegas. We love the glitzy lights and fast-paced environment. We have been many times, but our bachelorette/bachelor parties were our favorite trip out there yet. I went Oct-30-Nov 3rd, and he went Nov 3rd-Nov 7th. 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon in Hawaii and Maui. That was a dream destination for both of us, and we figured, if not now, then when! The Hawaiian Islands are breathtaking. The perfect place for a memorable honeymoon.

Industrial Style Wedding Ceremony with Black Seating and Gold Circle Arch with White Floral and Greenery Detail Inspiration | St. Petersburg Wedding Venue NOVA 535
White Rose and Greenery Wedding Ceremony Arch Floral Ideas

The Proposal:
The proposal was on December 24; it was both of our first times in New York City. We flew in late at night on the 23rd and woke up to explore Times Square. We went to Rockefeller Center around 9 a.m. and watched people ice skate and saw the big Christmas tree! We were just talking and hugging, and the next thing I knew Michael pulled out a ring and asked me to be his wife! Best day ever! 

Bride and Groom Exchange Vows in Industrial Wedding Ceremony at St. Petersburg Venue NOVA 535
Bride and Groom First Kiss Under the Veil Wedding Portrait | St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings
Bride and Groom Just Married in Industrial Wedding at St. Petersburg Venue NOVA 535
Bride and Groom Just Married in Industrial Wedding at St. Petersburg Venue NOVA 535 | Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings
Bride and Groom Just Married in Industrial Wedding at St. Petersburg Venue NOVA 535 | Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings

What did you look for in a wedding venue?

Wwe wanted to find something that was preferably built in the 1920s with exposed brick walls. We really needed something that was going to bring our vision to life, which NOVA 535 absolutely did!

We chose NOVA 535 because the location was prime, the vibes were on par with our theme, and the staff was wonderful and helpful. NOVA's team goes above and beyond to make your wedding day everything you ever dreamed of and more. April and Ruby truly made the wedding day itself move so effortlessly and dreamy. I couldn't have asked for a better venue and team; they were fantastic.”

Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Wedding Dress with Button Down the Back in Fit and Flare | Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings
Black and Gold 1920w Gatsby Themed Wedding Reception Inspiration at Industrial Tampa Bay Wedding Venue NOVA 535
Black Vase Centerpiece with Pink and White Florals Wedding Reception Decor Inspiration
Gold and Black Wedding Place Setting and Centerpiece Reception Ideas

What was your wedding theme?
The Great Gatsby 1920s, black, white, and champagne just seemed to fit our personality. My husband and I are both old souls, and we got married in our twenties and in the 2020s! We also loved the idea of the traditional black-tie vibes, so we thought incorporating those together would be the perfect blend.

What were your colors?
Black, white, champagne, and champagne pink. We felt it was elegant and simple but also fit the glitzy Gatsby theme.

Vintage Charger with Gold and White Classic Menu Inspired | Great Gatsby 1920s Reception Decor Inspiration
Wedding Lighting Inspiration with Greenery and White Florals Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table Decor Ideas
Black and Gold Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table Decor Ideas with Greenery
Two Tier Round White Wedding Cake with Gold Last Name Cake Topper and White Roses Ideas
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait at St. Pete Wedding Venue NOVA 535
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait at St. Pete Wedding Venue NOVA 535

What did you look for in a wedding photo and video team?

We were looking for a local wedding photographer and videographer that we could trust to capture our special day and not miss any of the details

Iyrus Weddings did our engagement photos, and once we finished up our engagement session, I asked Will right then and there if he could shoot and film our wedding day. Will has a way of making you feel comfortable behind the camera and guiding you through the whole process. From his great personality to his amazing work, it was very easy to choose him as our photo and video vendor.

On the day of the wedding, he helped keep us on time. Will truly goes above and beyond to get the perfect shot and does it like it is second nature to him. He makes you feel like you are shooting for Vogue magazine. We felt like celebrities on our wedding day. His team of videographers and editors were on it, and we got our video and photos back in less than a month!

Bride and Groom Nighttime Bamboo Garden Wedding Portrait | St. Pete Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings | Venue NOVA 535
Bride and Groom Nighttime Wedding Portrait | St. Pete Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings | Venue NOVA 535
Bride and Groom Rolls Roycew Vintage Car Wedding Exit Portrait Great Gatsby Inspired Theme | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer and Videographer Iyrus Weddings
Bride and Groom Sparkler Wedding Exit Portrait
Bride and Groom Rolls Roycew Vintage Car Wedding Exit Portrait 1920s Great Gatsby Inspired Theme

Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
The vendors that really exceeded my expectations were NOVA 535 and Iyrus Weddings. Both of these vendors genuinely jumped through any and all the hoops to make sure everything was perfect and that the bride and groom had nothing to worry about. 

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do your research, and look up reviews on vendors before booking. Take time all throughout your wedding day to step back and really capture the moment because the day and night go by quickly. 

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Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Vendor Credits

 

  • DJ/Band & Live Entertainment
  • DJ Jaey

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