From her cottage-style studio in Alamo Heights, Meredith Bell Alvarez displays a medley of wedding stationery that she has lovingly crafted.
An invitation for a reception at an opulent historic hotel features ornate gold frame patterned borders and a gold script font with prominent flourishes. Another invitation printed on translucent vellum paper showcases watercolor images of a deep orange sunset and verdant green cacti that the bride painted to represent her family ranch.
No two wedding invitations are ever the same for Alvarez, owner of Bell Papel, a name that means beautiful paper and reflects her maiden name. For nearly 15 years, she has designed and produced invitations and other printed items exclusively tailored for each couple.
“The invitation is the first glimpse that family and friends have of the wedding,” she says. “I try to capture what is unique about the bride and groom and infuse their personal touches into every single piece.”