Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. A Waterfront Destination Wedding in the Virgin Islands
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Waterfront Destination Wedding in the Virgin Islands

Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Samantha and Peter

brideandgroom-tropical-stjohnusvi-msw-3651-mwds110805.jpg

Jerry Maguire may have had his great love at "hello," but management consultant Peter Ostrega nabbed his with just one syllable. "Hi," read the entirety of his OkCupid message to Samantha Angelo, a clarinetist with the Marine Corps band—and it worked. She clicked through his photos and was instantly smitten with his "kind eyes and curious smile," she says. "I'd never felt that way just by looking at someone." There was one red flag, albeit minor: The site placed their compatibility, based on answers to a series of questions, at exactly zero. But two years of blissful dating later, that statistic was proven wildly inaccurate when Samantha
accepted Peter's proposal during a trip to St. John.

Six months later, on July 13, 2013, the duo returned, along with 27 of their family and friends, to get married in the courtyard of a private villa at sunset.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Invitations

invitation-seashell-stjohnusvi-msw-2631-mwds110805.jpg

The letterpressed suite featured a design of the venue, a map of St. John, and the duo's relationship timeline.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Location

bay-tropical5-stjohnusvi-msw-4527-mwds11080.jpg

Sweeping vistas of Hawksnest Bay came with Hawksview Estate, the home the pair rented.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The View

brideandgroom-stjohnusvi-msw-2365-mwds110805.jpg

Both Peter and Samantha helped design their own attire: He collaborated with his tailor, Noni Chullani of The Signature Collection; she worked with Roya Hashimi of Elegance By Roya.

4 of 16

5 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Processional

brideandfather-stjohnusvi-msw-2970-mwds110805.jpg
Credit: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

In the courtyard of a private villa just before sunset, Samantha's father walked her down the aisle to Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, performed on violin by a childhood friend. "My dad looked so comfortable and happy," Samantha says of her beaming escort.

5 of 16

6 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creature Comforts

samantha-peter-wedding-fan-0314.jpg

During the ceremony, guests stayed cool with custom palm-leaf fans from ChalkboardHope.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Placecards

seashell-brideandgroom-stjohnusvi-msw-3391-mwds110805.jpg

Clamshells calligraphed with guests' names waited at the place settings. Peter's had the Polish spelling of his name, reflecting his heritage.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Dinner Scene

terrace-place-setting-centerpiece-stjohnusvi-msw-2048-mwds110805.jpg

The reception dinner, featuring Asian-inspired seafood, offered gorgeous views of St. John's North Shore.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crowning Glory

garland-headband-bride-stjohnusvi-msw-3470-mwds110805.jpg

Samantha wore a wreath of mini calla lilies, lisianthus, and freesia.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Engagement Ring

samantha-peter-real-wedding-ring-0314.jpg

Peter worked with jeweler Ricardo Befi to design Samantha's engagement ring, a pink padparadscha sapphire set in rose gold with pavé diamonds.

10 of 16

11 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bride's Kickers

samantha-peter-wedding-shoes-0314.jpg

Nicholas Kirkwood wedges kept the bride grounded during the vow exchange on the lawn. "I wanted something untraditional to balance the conservative neckline of my lace gown," says Samantha of her daring fashion choice. "Plus, the heels look like ocean waves!"

11 of 16

12 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Groom's Attire

samantha-peter-wedding-groom-0314.jpg

"Suits are a passion of mine," says Peter, who selected the fabrics for his pinstripe shirt, polka-dot tie, and double-breasted white suit.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Dessert

weddingcake-flowers-votivecandle-stjohnusvi-msw-3864-mwds110805.jpg

The two-tier yellow-and-chocolate cake was iced with buttercream.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dancing Duo

sparklers-brideandgroom-stjohnusvi-msw-4262-comp-mwds110805.jpg

When it came time to dance, the bride and groom slipped into something more boogie-ready (a tux for him, a slinky Elizabeth Fillmore gown for her). Lit by the moon and twinkling sparklers, they twirled to "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," sung by a friend. "It was the greatest day of our lives," says the man who once had very little to say, "like a dream neither of us  will ever forget."

14 of 16

15 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

brideandgroom-tropical-stjohnusvi-msw-3651-mwds110805.jpg

Location: Hawksview Estate

Event planning and design: Island Style Weddings

Catering: East West Catering

Flowers: Roses Too

Photography: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

Videography: Louis Lucas

Stationery: The Dandelion Patch

Cake: Creative Catering

Bride's gowns: Elegance By Roya (ceremony); Elizabeth Fillmore (reception)

Hair: Grapevine Salon

Groom's attire: Noni Chullani of The Signature Collection

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

There's More!

coverlines-brideandgroom-johnlegend-christytiegen-1028-finalversion2-mwds110843.jpg

Find more original ideas for customizing your day and expert advice to lead you to the aisle by downloading our app and buying the digital issue for only $.99.

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    • 10 Items You Need to Pack in Your Wedding Dress Emergency Kit
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 Samantha and Peter
    2 of 16 The Invitations
    3 of 16 The Location
    4 of 16 The View
    5 of 16 The Processional
    6 of 16 Creature Comforts
    7 of 16 The Placecards
    8 of 16 The Dinner Scene
    9 of 16 Crowning Glory
    10 of 16 The Engagement Ring
    11 of 16 The Bride's Kickers
    12 of 16 The Groom's Attire
    13 of 16 The Dessert
    14 of 16 Dancing Duo
    15 of 16 Sources
    16 of 16 There's More!

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Waterfront Destination Wedding in the Virgin Islands
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.