Established in 1998, Debbie Pape started designing and producing custom handmade invitations for her family and friends. As a result, she opened Paper Envy soon after as
The Interview
What is your beverage of choice? Reposado on the rocks with a splash of real lime juice
What is your j
What is your favorite animal? Owls! (I have a friend who works in the raptor program at Schlitz Audubon)
What do you love to do with your friends and family? I like to travel, play cards and games, cook, and eat with my friends and family
Do you have any pets? We want to get a dog SOON! Our dream dog is a mini golden doodle!
What does Paper Envy specialize in?
We specialize in artisan printing processes: letterpress and engraving
What kinds of couples are a good fit for Paper Envy?
I love couples that are interested in touching and experiencing luxury paper products in person rather than online. Also, those that are looking for guidance and education in etiquette and fine paper options. That tells me they are a good fit for Paper Envy. All Paper Envy’s products and suites are designed just for the couple, completely custom!
What do you talk about when you first meet with a couple?
When I meet with a potential client for the first time, we begin the design process right away. I want to be able to give an accurate quote immediately before the couple even commits to working with us. I like to get a feel for the entire day when creating custom products. Often clients will come to her with photos of the venue, wedding dress, linens, florals, etc to get inspiration for the design. However, my personal favorite sources of inspiration are fashion (I love Virgil Abloh, everything Gucci), and textiles, home decor materials and interior design in general. That gives me a chance to really personalize the design.
What is your favorite type of wedding to design for?
My favorite weddings to design take place at a family home. I love to gain inspiration from a place that is special to the couple and full of meaning and love! In addition, every home is different so there is so much to work with!
Why hire a professional to create
There are so many reasons! You know your invitations will be worded correctly and that etiquette and traditions will be followed. The ease of handing off a big project to someone qualified is really beneficial. If you really love DIY, choose a smaller, manageable portion of the project to make a personal touch at your wedding.
What is the best thing about working with Paper Envy?
We have fun! It’s a creative process that you get to participate in. At Paper Envy, we pride
What services are available?
Invitations, Save the Dates, addressing, mailing, design and printing, calligraphy, signage, menus, programs, delivery.
What questions do clients forget to ask?
When providing numbers for a quote on invitations, it’s most important to list the number of households, not the number of individual guests that is important.
What is your Favorite trend this year?
I love that we are returning to a more formal style of invitation. I also love the personalizing with envelope liners. It’s a cost-effective and cheerful way to add more of the wedding design detail to the invitations!
What color and design trends are you most excited about?
Printing on acrylic, a clean and minimalist aesthetic, wax seals, including a personal logo or monogram, painted or gilded paper edge, metallic and matte together, light pistachio as a neutral design color
What should every bride and groom know before their wedding?
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
For more information on Paper Envy, please check out their website or book an appointment at their Elm Grove studio by calling (262)780-0850!
See more of our vendor spotlights and other wedding work on our wedding blog!