John, 27, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, and Heather, 29, a claims examiner for the state’s department of labor, both from East Brunswick, were married on June 27, 2009. They tied the knot in a Roman Catholic ceremony at the Corpus Christi Parish in South River, John’s childhood church. And their reception was at the Brielle River House in Brielle, which overlooks the Manasquan River where Heather used to go boating as a girl.

Because of her love of the Shore, Heather wanted a beachy feel to her wedding, but wasn’t sold on the blue hue. “I wanted a color scheme that was edgy, different, and definitely bright,” she says. “I didn’t want to be a ‘typical’ beach bride.” She decided on green for luck and pink for love, added lots of seaside whimsy, and her pink-and-green beach affair was born. Guests were invited to their special day with an invitation created by Heather’s sister, Kelly Schwartz, who owns Invitations a la Carte in East Brunswick. Kelly created an ivory card that had the imprint of a pink and a green starfish, featured pink and green accents, and was tied up with a thick pink satin ribbon. Kelly also created all the printed materials for the wedding, from the program to place cards. The ceremony and reception were bursting with Heather’s bright, summertime colors.

The eight bridesmaids wore strapless tea-length dresses in peridot and carried a bouquet of hot-pink and light-pink roses complemented by green hydrangeas, pink mini calla lilies, and cymbidium green orchids. The groomsmen’s tuxedos were brightened with paisley vests and ties the color of kiwis. Although some involved in the wedding thought early on that there was too much pink and green, Kelly said the results were beautiful. “I walked in and I was absolutely stunned by the room. It looked gorgeous. It was very fitting for my sister,” Kelly says, describing Heather as bright and vibrant.