Like the perfect wedding, the garden at Hummingbird Hall has been, and is a labour of love. It was so from its conception and design to the careful choice of plants that now provide the amazing blaze of colours, shapes and textures of the magnificent garden.





There are flowers, palms and herbage that entice and seduce and that make the garden a perfect haven for wildlife. Butterflies, bees, parquets, pea doves, extravagant species of hummingbirds, and other almost endless examples of small Caribbean creatures frequent and grace the garden.





As for flowers, could there be more beauty in one place? As you approach the gates of the property you are greeted with the impossibly beautiful purple bougainvilleas.





Once you are into the lavish gates of Hummingbird Hall, you are greeted by a delight of colours and scents. The most gorgeous fragrance is from the jasmines that line the front inside wall of the property. The delicate white petals of the jasmine with its sweet perfume are a perennial favourite of brides, providing a wonderful backdrop for wedding photographs and a feast to the eyes.





Among the wildlife that frequent the gardens, hummingbirds are among the most stunning and loved. They in turn seemingly adore the delicious nectar of the hibiscus flowers that are dotted around the garden. They are often seen flitting from one flower to the other with consummate joy, taking of their full before fluttering to neighbouring woods, only to return to feast and beautify again. Several of the over 320 species of Hummingbirds have been spotted at Hummingbird Hall but none create more excitement and pleasure as the national bird of Jamaica; The Doctor-Bird (Trochilus polytmus) or Swallow-Tail Hummingbird. Their beautiful feathers have no equal in the bird population.





They produce iridescent colours characteristic only of that family. In addition to these beautiful feathers, the mature male has two long tails which stream behind him when he flies. No wonder it is immortalized in Jamaican folklore and song, and was the inspiration from which the magnificent mansion gets its name.

We are often asked how we manage to keep the Hummingbird Hall so wonderfully pristine and well maintained, considering the large numbers of weddings that we hold.


The answer is two-fold – we have an excellent and dedicated cleaning staff who work hard to remove traces of previous weddings and make it possible for us to hold back to back events (shown below is staff member Milicent).





We also regularly invest in the maintenance of the our beautiful property and regularly close to enable our so talented team of workmen to spruce up our wedding venue.


In fact, due to the painting of our Lagoon Deck we will not be holding any weddings this week (13 February 2012) , though the administrative office will be open as usual.

Another of the stunning architectural features of Hummingbird Hall – and by extension our beautiful destination weddings – is the magnificent Gazebo, the most favoured of all the beautiful spots for wedding ceremonies at Hummingbird Hall.

Gazeboes are free standing or attached garden structures. They are roofed open sided, with varying types of supporting columns. Gazeboes can be ornamental or built to provide shelter, shade and in our case, the perfect setting for couples to have their dream tropical wedding in Jamaica!

Gazeboes have been a feature of gardens for centuries. In fact gazeboes were common in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. Not surprisingly, royalty were the first to have them. They thought of their gardens as earthly paradises, and believed they could take them to the afterlife.

The structures were popular in ancient Rome and Pompeii. Gazeboes also flourished in the East, and in Persia they could range from colourful tents with mats on the floor to ornate, two-storey structures with cupolas, marble columns and seats. Some were constructed across pools or streams so that the cold water running underneath their marble floor could cool them. In Japan and China they were often called tea houses, used in conjunction with the revered Tea Ceremonies, used as places to rest, get in touch their spiritual side, and absorb the garden’s beauty.

At Hummingbird Hall, history and cultures are magically fused in the setting, outlook and uses of the wedding gazebo. The roof is made of shingle, the covering of choice for up-market buildings in Jamaica, and a sure sign of opulence. The friezes are architecturally designed and hand carved, as are the supporting rails. Miraculously, one leg of the gazebo floats enchantingly in the infinity swimming pool which adds to the beauty of wedding photographs.

The outlook from the Gazebo could not be more spectacular; couples take their vows seemingly enfolded in the arms of the Caribbean sea, over which the gazebo looks. And more, they look on to the garden bathed in glorious colours of bougainvilleas, hibiscus, jasmine and heliconia to name but few of the flowers gracing the wedding gardens of Hummingbird Hall.

The Wedding Gazebo on Hummingbird Hall’s Lagoon Deck has borne witness to diverse and wonderful weddings.

As a destination wedding venue in Jamaica, our commitment to our clients having a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Jamaica extends beyond their dream tropical wedding at Hummingbird Hall.

In fact, as the home of boutique destination weddings in Jamaica – we are as committed to promoting Jamaica as a destination wedding idyll, as we are to extolling Jamaica’s virtues as the perfect Caribbean honeymoon destination.

For this post, Team Hummingbird Hall tell of their favourite, most loved and romantic honeymoon vacation spots in Jamaica!

ALISHA

As a boat-a-holic and certified captain, I adore the beautiful waters of Portland. They are so incredibly clear and peaceful, and it’s not unusual to spot wild turtles and dolphins: an experience which gives me butterflies no matter how often I see them! I also really love how easy it is to withdraw from society at large in Portland – either on a boat with a book drifting idly into the sunset, or by chancing upon a deserted and secluded cove or beach.

The second of my favourite spots in Jamaica is the West End of Negril. Beyond the mass tourist hubs of Ricks Cafe and the Seven Mile Beach lies the quaint West End of Negril where artists, hippies, naturalist and yogis converge. Whether it’s hanging out at a vegetarian eco-cafe, relaxing in natural rock pools, or getting rejuvenated at a new age spa (my favourite being Jackie’s on the Reef); I love how this part of Negril has managed to retain a distinct and whimsical identity.

MICHELLE

Kingston, Kingston and Kingston!

It’s a city with a pulse and energy unlike anywhere on the island and for adventurous honeymooners, I can’t recommend it enough.

There are so many surprises if you know where to look…

Behind uninspiring grey walls you’ll find the most amazing city garden restaurants (eg Heathers Garden Restaurant). You can find a Jamaican twist on so many types of cuisine (check at the Marketplace for Jamaican-Japanese, Jamaican-Indian and Jamaican-Italian restaurants) and there’s always something to do or see at the Theatre (Little Theatre / Old Theatre).

I guarantee that the ice cream you taste at Devon House (I-Scream) will make your trip all the more unforgettable.

Kingstonians also know how to DRESS, and it can be quite fun people watching from the rooftop of a bar on Knutsford Avenue.

Lastly, most Kingstonians head down to Port Royal for fish on a Friday night. It’s such a great way to get a feel for the vibe on the island and taste some great fish with reggae love songs (and sometimes live artists) blaring in the background.

ROSA

For me it’d have to be Blue Mountains. One of the only places in Jamaica that actually gets cold at night and where people do huddle round fireplaces in winter.

For those who trek I hear it’s amazing to see the sunrise at the peak, but even if you don’t – the air is fresh, clean and coffee exquisite. Very romantic – particularly when contrasted with the tropical atmosphere at a Hummingbird Hall wedding.

VEE

The South Coast would be my suggestion, particularly St Elizabeth. The beaches of black sand are beautiful, and the pace of life is so, so slow. I think it suits vintage loving honeymooners who seek a taste of the Jamaica of old – friendly people, laid back farmers and an easy going attitude.

Bamboo avenue is also very romantic and makes a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

For food, Roadside stands at Scotts Cove (fried fish and bammy) and Middle Quarters (hot-peppered ‘swimps’) offer some of the best in Jamaican food and good value.

TAHLIA

I’m a history geek and so would recommend Accompong on 6 January. On this date Maroons – the original Jamaican freedom fighters – hold special ceremonies which are very historic.

The drive through the Cockpit Country where the village is located is beautiful, and an important reminder that the area needs to be protected (mining companies and environmentalists constantly spar over who has rights to use the area).

ONEIL

For the sports fan I would recommend::

- Live Drag Racing at Dover Raceway at Runaway Bay

- Live Cricket at Sabina Park

- Horse Racing at Caymanas Park

– Dog Sledding

– Tennis at the National Tennis Center

– Dominoes

We invite couples to follow their beautiful destination wedding in Jamaica at Hummingbird Hall (Montego Bay) with a romantic, adventurous and memorable honeymoon on our beautiful Caribbean destination island.

As well as the joys of having a wedding in Jamaica – an island famous romantic tropical weddings – one of the bonuses of having a wedding at Hummingbird Hall is the opportunity our weddings provide to taste some of the scrumptious island food that Jamaica has to offer. In fact, our all inclusive wedding packages include locally sourced gourmet food – the most popular of which are our jerk dishes.

Many credit the origins of jerk to the Cormantee hunters of West Africa, through the Maroons – Jamaican slaves who escaped from the British during the invasion of 1655

Maroons Waiting to Ambush the British

The escaped slaves, called Maroons, are believed to have developed and perfected this method of preserving and cooking meat during their years living in the Blue Mountains fighting the British troops.

The term jerk is said to derive form the Spanish Spanish word ‘Charqui,’ which means jerk or dried meat, and later became “jerky” in English.

Recipes have been handed down through generations and techniques kept secret, as competition and pride runs high among jerk cooks in Jamaica (with Hummingbird Hall’s chef being no exception!).

Jerk is uniquely Jamaican; it describes both the kind of spice and the technique of cooking meat. Chicken, fish, shrimp and pork are the most common and perennial favourites. However, if you are vegan or vegetarian, don’t despair as the chef at Hummingbird Hall makes a mean jerk tofu.

We can confidently say that Hummingbird Hall jerk is among the best we have tasted (and we LIVE in Jamaica) and we fondly remember a groom who began his wedding speech with:

“First.. let me shout out to the jerk pork – it was GOOD” ( Gregory – you are a Hummingbird Hall legend!!)

We have wrestled long and hard with our chef to share the Hummingbird Hall’s jerk recipe and even though he refused to into detail (you will have to attend one of our weddings to taste it properly!); the basic ingredients are detailed below.

Weddings abroad can come wrapped in many delectable packages. Whether you are an offbeat bride, or a traditional bride, like the groom moved to toast Hummingbird Hall’s jerk pork, come prepared to have your taste buds tickled. Your dream Jamaican wedding will find you embraced, not only in the paradise of the best boutique destination wedding location, but in gastronomical yumminess.

Jerk Pork Recipe

1/2 inch piece of cinnamon

1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

6 scallions, including green tops, sliced

1-2 Scotch Bonnet pepper (partially de-seeded if pepper averse)

1 large onion

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tsp brown sugar

2 tsp peeled chopped ginger

1 tsp pimento (allspice)

2 tablespoon white vinegar

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon dark Jamaica rum

1 (4 pound) boned pork loin

Method

1. Put all ingredients (excluding the pork) in a blender. Process until smooth.

2. Cut the pork into chunks

3. Cut each piece to form small pockets for the marinade

4. Combine pork and mixture from the blender in a dish – use a wooden spoon to thorough rub the mixture in the pork

5. Cover and leave in the refrigerator from 3 to 24 hours (the longer the better)

6. Grill on a slightly greased grill until cooked or bake in an oven of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until cooked

(Traditionally in Jamaica, jerk meats are cooked in the half of an oil barrel, made especially for this purpose)

NB – chef has asked us to make clear – as with our exotic weddings, our jerk meats are in a class of their own – attend a Hummingbird Hall wedding to taste jerk in true deliciousness!

Wonderfully, Hummingbird Hall  resounds to the sound of music at every wedding; whether an informal barefoot wedding, an elopement wedding, or a formal wedding; Hummingbird Hall couples understand the central importance of music to creating the atmosphere at their fairytale wedding.

Shakespeare stated beautifully “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it…:” and it is no wonder that couples spend so much time selecting their music choices in Hummingbird Hall’s innovative Feathers Client Portal, and that music forms such an integral part of Hummingbird Hall wedding packages (a wedding DJ and wedding band are included in every package as standard)). Whether jamming to the sounds of the live reggae band, serenading jazz band, or our DJ expertly spinning one joyous rock, reggae, R&B or country sound after another; it is no wonder that Hummingbird Hall’s weddings are synonymous with excellent music.


 

In fact, if the walls of the delightful destination wedding venue Hummingbird Hall could talk, it would have plenty to say about the
fantastic innovative choices that our couples make, and the genius of our DJ Courtney who spins the tunes.

Of course there are favorites tracks that a number of couples tend to love, but it is the overall selection and the mixing of these that make each music choice different & each unique wedding*, even more so.

Will the stunning bride walk the aisle to Etta James’, At Last, or the more traditional Ave Maria by Franz Shubert? Will they have their first dance to, Just the Way You Are, by Billy Joel, or What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong? We wait with bated breath, because as with every other aspect of magical weddings at Hummingbird Hall we know guests will be totally captivated.

Not only is the 4000 Acre Rose Hall Estate a stunning location for Hummingbird Hall destination weddings in Jamaica, it also has an established position in the Jamaica’s cultural heritage and folklore.

Hummingbird Hall is as much a legend in the world of wedding locations as Annie Palmer is in the world of love and intrigue. Folklore has it that as plantation owner of the Rose Hall Estate, Annie Palmer was often besotted by slave men, and made lovers of them. Seemingly she loved the estate more than these men as legend also has it that Annie Palmer dispensed with them at will and though long dead, she can mysteriously still be seen wandering the rooms of the house of the Rose Hall Great House, one of the most photographed properties in Jamaica.

There is a wonderful Jamaican patois word – “bwarta” – that means getting something extra that is both delightful and unexpected. Fortunately for those who get married at Hummingbird Hall, reputedly one of the most unique and one-of-a-kind wedding locations in Jamaica, couples and their guests also get a feast all the senses from the moment they enter the opulent iron gates of the Estate.

Wedding guests, brides and grooms will meander past well-kept lawns and the magnificence that is the the Rose Hall Great House to the equally opulent Hummingbird Hall. Listen to the song birds that frequent the estate. Look for the Hummingbirds flitting from one extravagant flower to another. Smell the pure oxygen filled air. Feel the soft sun-touched breeze, and touch the delightful fragrant flowers that fill the tropical gardens.

Jamaica has long been considered one of the islands on which to have a Caribbean destination wedding, and having a plantation wedding completes the “surely I am in paradise experience.”

At Hummingbird Hall, we are obsessed with gorgeously romantic destination weddings in Jamaica, and this obsession extends to the Hall’s architectural features. Indeed, even though Hummingbird Hall was an Artists’ Retreat long before an award winning wedding venue; romantic symbolism can be found in the Hall’s very fabric!

The heart shaped infinity pool, located on the Lagoon Deck of Hummingbird Hall, is an integral and captivating feature of the architecturally designed Jamaican wedding mansion. The infinity pool gives the impression that the pool has no end. In the realm of romantic weddings infinity suggests never ending love and romance (think infinity wedding rings!).Water is also highly symbolic when it comes to love. Indeed, water is said to combine two types of energy; kinetic which causes water to flow, and a potential form of energy yet to be released. We see parallels in the weddings we host – specifically in the dynamic love that couples who marry with us display(kinetic energy) and the wonderful but unexpressed possibilities that lie ahead in marriage (potential energy).

Thus for several reasons, the pool (Lagoon) forms a captivating backdrop for Hummingbird Hall weddings in Jamaica and is the talk – along with our excellent service, gorgeous sea views and décor – of brides, grooms and their wedding guests.

What’s more, decorative embellishments to the pool are included in our wedding design service. Whether a Trash the Dress (or Suit!) session, floating floral arrangements, poolside custom designed wedding luminaries, or even custom pool light colours– the wedding décor opportunities are endless at our “lagoonside”, ocean-view-having, tropical wedding venue.

It excites us to the core of our being when a wedding reception at Hummingbird Hall resounds to the sound of that most magical of percussion instrument; the drum.

Can there be an instrument that connects so perfectly to the beating heart of love than the African drum? There are two main types of drums are available as wedding embellishments at weddings at Hummingbird Hall.

The Djembe Drum

The most famous drum of African origin is the djembe, a goatskin-covered percussion instrument shaped like a large goblet and made to be played with bare hands.

Rooted in West Africa, the djembe came into record during the Mali Empire, the dominant political unit in West Africa from the 13th to the 15th century , where it was used during the celebration of sacred and secular events. It often accompanied story-telling. The tradition and skills of the djembe were brought to Jamaica during slavery.

Talking Drums

Another well-known African drum is the “talking drum,” so called because its pitch can be changed to mimic language tonality or “talk.” It has its origins among the Yoruba people, who refer to it as “dundun.” Traditionally the talking drum was used for a variety of purposes—from being a musical instrument during celebrations, to a sort of telegram for relaying messages.

Drummers at Hummingbird Hall weddings often combine both types to alluring effect; to speak of love and commitment and to herald the beginning of a life, where couples will thereafter and together drum as a united force their future lives together.

As a way to adhere to our eco-fabulous wedding ethos; we source all the butterflies used in our butterfly releases – a complimentary feature of every Hummingbird Hall wedding package – from the gardens and grounds of Hummingbird Hall and the Rose Hall Estate.

Our tropical gardens team with flowers and plants that attract stunning butterflies and birds, and so we take great pleasure in our clients being able to showcase these delightful creatures – even for a moment  - during their weddings.

Hummingbird Hall is regularly visited by a number of butterflies, the most popular of which seem to be:

Viceroy Swallowtail Butterfly

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Eastern Swallowtail Butterfly

ZebraSwallowtail Butterfly

Tropical Silverspot Butterfly

We usually catch the butterflies 45 minutes prior to the start of the wedding ceremony with a net similar to the below.

We have found that the best way to catch our fluttery friends is to wait for them to land on flowers (they LOVE the plant below) before covering them with a net and watching them to flutter to the top in a bid to escape.

Once at the top of the net, we quickly transfer the butterflies to a waiting butterfly release basket before putting the basket in the fridge. The cool of the fridge sends the wedding butterflies into a relaxing hibernation mode and prevents them from fluttering and damaging their wings.

We keep the butterflies in the cool until ten minutes prior to the release. Once out of the fridge the butterflies wake up, become excited and feel the love just in time to be released in front of the couple and their adoring guests – magic

A Hummingbird Hall Gourmet Coffee Bar is a great way to give your guests an energy boost and treat coffee lovers to a variety of Jamaican, coffee inspired speciality drinks.

We use fair trade Jamaican coffee and professional baristas.

And, in true Hummingbird Hall style, clients can even personalise the look of their drinks from our selection of cute stencil designs!

The Hummingbird Hall Gourmet Coffee Bar is an additional extra to a standard Hummingbird Hall wedding, and another reason there is nothing like a Hummingbird Hall wedding!

We have a little confession… we have gotten into a really “bad” habit…

Each time a wedding client orders dessert as an upgrade, we always make an additional order for ourselves…

Pictured (from left):

Jamaican Fruit Cake

Banana Cream Tart

Rum Rasin Bread Pudding

Destination Wedding Cocktail Hour

It is natural for couples to want to create a lively, unique and entertaining atmosphere at their Jamaican destination wedding. In fact, the services of a Wedding Designer are included as standard in all Hummingbird Hall wedding packages precisely so we can ensure that every wedding is as aesthetically gorgeous as it is captivating and exciting.

However, one area where the mood can fall flat is the Wedding’s Cocktail Hour, where guests wait in anticipation for the newly-weds to return from taking their photographs. It is, after-all, easy for the wedding couple to lose sight of their guests when faced with the stunning photographic backdrops that the Rose Hall Estate’s waterfall, aqueduct, beach and golf course provide!

However, with the creativity and attention for detail that makes Hummingbird Hall weddings fabulous , we have found that the Wedding’s Cocktail Hour can set the mood, tone and energy for the wedding festivities to come.

Crackers

Not just for Christmas, we assure you!

Crackers are a wonderful way of encouraging your guests to relax, mingle and interact.

In fact, with every ‘pop’ you have the opportunity to wow your guests with wedding day gifts and favors.

Hummingbird Hall can provide custom-made and personalized crackers as an additional extra.

Scavenger Hunt

Leaving clues and hiding gifts around the gardens of Hummingbird Hall can certainly keep guests occupied, and is a great way to encourage your guests to enjoy the beauty of Hummingbird Hall’s gardens.

Quiz

How well do your guests really know you? Either ask your MC to run a quiz type “show”, or distribute printed sheets for your guests to complete. For more interaction, leave clues around the venue!

Disposable Cameras

Have cameras handed out at the start of your Cocktail Hour and collect at the end of your Reception for processing. You maybe surprised by the photographs that come back!

Modelling balloons

Kitsch but hey, who cares?!

Give each guest a selection of modelling balloons and some instructions on how to make shapes and animals.

Let’s keep things PG-13 folks!

Artists

Artists who specialize in paper cutting are all the rage; hire a silhouette artist who can do quick portraits of your guests.

Fun Photographic Backdrop

If you opt for two photographers, have the photographer who does not join you on the Golf Cart Tour set up a backdrop and take photographs of your guests . Props will make  the photoshoot all the more fun!

Chocolate Fountain

And before the dinner too!

Life is unpredictable, so why not?

Connect the Dots

A chart that shows how guests are connected to the wedding couple – and to each other – will create an instant sense of intimacy.

Do Good

Decorate cocktail tables with pine-tree seedlings that your guests can take home and plant.

Random Acts of Kindness

For a “pop”-ular way to your Cocktail Hour, fill balloons with helium and strips of paper that detail random acts of kindness. Ask guests to burst the balloons and then fulfill a do-good deed as the “favor”.

Interviews

Ask your videographer to “interview” willing guests for well wishes or marriage advice. You’ll love watching this years later.

Origami

Personalized Napkins

Personalized napkins can really get guests talking as long as you allow for something more compelling than your names and wedding date. Go with humor (family jokes, funny couple facts) or unique, little-known quotes.