NOVA 535 — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

Had my daughter's wedding reception at NOVA 535. Beautiful space and plenty of cooperation before the event and final payments, but we were disappointed that we paid quite a hefty amount to be there and experienced several problems - mostly based on inappropriate/combative behavior:

1. Our fee included a "day-of" NOVA coordinator, but our coordinator, Ruby left half way/during our event. She left one of the bartenders to take her place. This resulted in a lack of attention and later, zero help packing up at the end of a long day/night. The Mother and Father of the Bride had to do it alone!
2. It started raining during our courtyard cocktail hour and Ruby refused (even argued with me - the Mother of the Bride) about allowing the guests to enter the building and take their seats at the tables. She eventually allowed them inside, but put up a guard rail and made people wait upstairs instead of being seated. There was almost a confrontation, but I found a way to just walk away. I was furious because I had several elderly and a nephew on crutches present, but regardless of the situation, refusing to listen to the paying client's wishes is a major disappointment.
3. Requested a morning time to drop of table numbers, cocktail hour centerpieces, sign in book, place cards, cake base, etc. Coordinator Ruby would only allow afternoon hour to do this, so I had to unload while dressed in a formal dress to make my daughter's wedding photos at the church on time.
4. After dropping off all items, I noticed that the tables were so smashed together, guests couldn't walk between them. I started moving them to allow room, but Ruby arrived and said she would adjust the rest. Unfortunately she did not do this after I left. Front tables were ok, but back tables left little to no room. Guests were squeezed in. Disappointing.
5. Lastly, I received a report from one of my vendor's that NOVA - after putting them through a lot of extra paperwork to be "allowed" to provide service while at NOVA - couldn't even get responses to inquiries prior to the event. Please note that we did try to discuss these issues with our coordinator. We prefer that (instead of posting) in hopes that they will listen & consider making adjustments, however our direct feedback was not gladly accepted. I do suggest NOVA for events because of the beautiful space, however I HIGHLY suggest being present during ALL prep the day-of to make sure the coordinator follows through completely and the space is just as you'd like it. With regard to a lack of communication being accepted during the event and a "stand-in" coordinator that is busy serving cocktails/bartending too...I have no idea how to fix...

To all engaged couples in search of a venue - you will 100% have the best wedding experience of your lives at Nova 535.

I am a Wedding Officiant of 11 years and nearly 2000 weddings. I can tell you with complete confidence, of the hundreds of venues I have served weddings, very few come close to making magical wedding day experiences like the staff at Nova 535.

They make everything stress-free for the couple (and your vendors!). The setting is gorgeous, the options for photos are incredible and they will cater to your every wish. They have so many added little touches that will make you feel like a celebrity on your special day, as you should!

Many couples/families don't think about this, but Officiants rely on the professional sound equipment of the DJ's for voice amplification (and music obviously). I spend a considerable amount of time creating my customized ceremonies and when guests either can't hear it, or the mic cuts out, the DJ isn't paying attention and doesn't have the right volume, or - the mic gets cut before I'm done speaking...it's very frustrating and annoying. This is yet another reason I LOVE Nova 535. Chris and his team have got the most incredibly crisp/clear and beautiful sound, and their timing with all things ceremony-related is impeccable. I am often complimented on the sound/smoothness of my voice. I give 75% of that credit to the person controlling the equipment, it's them - not me.

My two Aprils...I love you both!! And your bartender is a rockstar also (she pulled off a very last minute ceremony request last weekend that allowed us to surprise the groom AND the guests!).

As I already mentioned, I could go on for hours raving about this venue and their team. If you want the most important day of your lives to be celebrated with ease and elegance - this is the place. And...I'm so excited that one of the weddings I recently served at your venue will be featured on Marry Me Tampa Bay -...

Dear Mike, On behalf of the Susan G. Komen Suncoast affiliate, I wanted to thank you and let you know how much we appreciated your support and hosting of our recent "Pink Martini" event and fashion show. It was a huge success and we owe a great amount of that success to you and your amazing team at Nova 535! We can’t thank you enough for sharing your event space, your time and your talent for such a good cause. With your help, we were able to not only have a beautiful event and fashion show but provide an extra special experience for our group of very deserving breast cancer survivor models.

You and your team may think you simply provided event space for a fashion show. But I want you to know that you offered so much more than that. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I can tell you that fighting breast cancer leaves you scarred, tired, weak, sick, bald and not feeling very beautiful. Having the experience of the fashion show in such a first class space was a special and memorable night for our survivors and guests. What a tremendous gift you provided each one of those deserving ladies! They all said they felt pampered and were treated like the VIP guests by you and your staff. For that, we can’t thank you enough. It is a priceless gift that will never be forgotten.

In talking with the designer and her staff, they shared that this was the most organized and successful fashion show they have done. They were thrilled with the amazing venue and with your team’s professionalism and can-do attitude. Every request was attended to without delay and it was obvious that you make a habit of going above and beyond to serve your customers and guests.

Again, thank you so much for your support and sponsorship in the Pink Martini event. It was a pleasure to work with you and your team. We hope that you will consider partnering with us again next year!

Hope and...