Nestled in the hilly landscape of the Ferndale countryside, you will find LaBelle Bridal Cottage—a quaint home that Owner Lisa Shumski has turned into a dreamy bridal suite. The warm, vintage environment of the interior is immediately showcased upon entering; a stoic grandfather clock and elegant baby grand piano greet you from across the living room. White furniture is placed throughout the space, and inviting artwork decorates the walls. Shades of red and pink serve as accents, making the bridal color scheme pop.
Photo by Will Story
The elegant living room could have come straight out of the Regency Era—a feeling that continues throughout the entire house. The unique aesthetic of the home is no mistake; Shumski’s mother, who lived there for 14 years prior to her passing, filled it with artwork and objects she loved.
“The cottage is a reflection of my mom’s timeless elegance and love of Victorian-inspired decor,” Shumski says.
Shumski was inspired to convert her mother’s one-of-a-kind house into a business when she offered the home as a dressing area for her friend’s daughter and bridal party on her wedding day. This ultimately led to the creation of LaBelle Bridal Cottage in April 2023, with the primary intent being to provide an intimate gathering space for brides. In the hustle and bustle of what is supposed to be ‘the most important day of your life,’ LaBelle Bridal Cottage offers a peaceful respite to enjoy the people you love.
“I like the idea of gathering ‘well,’ gathering better. Because bigger isn’t always better, only better is better. So just the intimate aspect where you’re intentionally gathering that way to just focus on the…real important people and the real important things,” says Shumski. ‘
Photo by Will Story
The home maintains a majority of its original decor, with certain aspects having been transformed to accommodate a bride’s wedding morning. Bedrooms have been turned into elegant dressing rooms, with an abundance of space for brides and bridesmaids to get ready. A charming kitchen and bathroom complete the venue, and the home’s consistent aesthetic—accomplished through gold framed mirrors and pictures, delicate China, and antique paintings—offers many visually pleasing nooks and crannies for photos.
Photo by Summer Foeron Photography
Although Shumki’s primary focus was creating a bridal suite, she also rents out LaBelle Bridal Cottage for other small events, such as elopements, that are composed of up to 15 people. Clients can purchase elopement packages that are complete with an officiant, a champagne toast, silk florals, and a small cake. And the best part about elopements? You can personalize them however you wish, even with a nontraditional twist.
“I think it would be really cool to get married here, and then you can go camping at the state park with your friends. But you have somewhere for the ceremony if you just want that to be more of a special atmosphere,” Shumski says.
The home is available for rent through Shumski’s Instagram or Peer space for events such as photo shoots, tea parties, and other small gatherings, along with the traditional use of the space as a bridal suite or elopement venue. Ferndale, 360.525.8304, @labellebridalcollege on Instagram
