Vintage, Blush, DIY Downtown St. Pete Destination Wedding | NOVA 535 Wedding
Robyn and Chris' downtown St. Pete destination wedding featured DIY elements to show their gratitude to their wedding guests.
“It was so important to me to put our touches on the wedding and thinking of all things that showed all of our guests how much we appreciated them traveling the long way. I really wanted to do a lot of DIY, but I quickly realized I couldn’t do it all alone both skill and time wise. Chris helped me with every decision, every project,” the bride shared. “Things we made for our wedding were: the guestbook, table numbers, signs for our chairs, window shutters for our escort cards, props for photo backdrop, Instagram sign for photo backdrop, hangers for bridesmaid robes, boxes for attendant gifts and welcome bags.”
The destination couple incorporated vintage elements from their families into their big day.
“My engagement ring was custom made using Chris' grandmother's diamond and diamonds from his mother's original engagement ring. Also, as part of my wedding ring, I incorporated my grandmother's wedding band. I love how special it is and having a piece of them and history with me each day!” Robyn gushed. “Also, getting married under the talis (prayer shawl) that belonged to my great-great grandfather and my grandfather brought the important part of my family to the occasion.”
While Robyn and Chris are both from Florida, they were living in Charlotte, North Carolina while planning their downtown St. Pete destination wedding.
“I was born and raised in St. Petersburg and always wanted to get married in my hometown. Over the course of our relationship it become a home away from home for Chris too and wasn’t too far from his family in Cape Coral.
The pair searched for a St. Pete wedding venue that was timeless and classic and allowed them to hold their ceremony and reception in one place.
“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,” the bride gushed.
Looking back, one of Robyn's most memorable moments was celebrating with her new husband at the end of their ceremony.
“The best moment was stepping on the glass, raising our hands like champions, knowing we made it this far!” the bride reminisced.
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.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Everyone said it to me, but it rings true, stay true to what you and your future husband want. It's your day. Enjoy it!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: NOVA 535 *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Venue
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
Garter: Bella Fleur Bridal
Bridesmaids Robes: Mono Robes
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: After Six by Dessy
Flower Girl Dresses: Posh Peanut Kids
Hair: Twist Salon – Rex RitaRita (North Carolina), Salon Lofts – Amy Lockhart
Makeup: Keisha Justo
