We are huge fans of the Pretty Pear Bride movement, and so felt incredibly privileged when one of our weddings was selected to be featured!

Please click here to read about the beautiful elopement Hummingbird Hall wedding.

For this DIY destination wedding decor tutorial we show how to make our very popular coconut hibiscus lemon grass candle holder. Special thanks to staff members Daniel and Ann-Marie for featuring!

You will need (per candle holder):

-  1 x coconut
- 1 x hibiscus flower
- 1 x blade of lemon grass
- 1 x tealight
- Invisible fishing wire
- A screwdriver
- Sugar
- Cotton bud

- Machete or sharp knife

1.  Cut your coconut in half using a sharp blade. If the coconut is young, drain the coconut water and use to make a delicious cocktail (please click here for the recipe for The Hummingbird). Mr Daniel is an experienced Jamaican gardener. For those who are less experienced, we advise cutting the coconut on a firm table or surface.

2. Use a screwdriver to punch a hole through the top of the coconut. Again, please exercise care!

3.  Thread a needle with invisible string and push the string through the newly created hole.

This will form the invisible support that gives the impression that the coconut is floating. If the candle holder is to be placed on a table rather than hung, be sure to cut a flat base with the machete.

4. Pick lemongrass (or use lemon grass blades purchased from a health food store)

5. Wrap the lemongrass blade around the top of the coconut. This will ensure a beautiful smell wafts through the event! Incidentally, dried lemon grass burns wonderfully and also releases the most delicious fragrance!

6. Pick hibiscus

8. Mix sugar and water

9. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and wrap the cotton ball around the stalk of the hibiscus. This should prevent the hibiscus from wilting.

10. Sprinkle the petals with the sugared water  – this should attract beautiful visitors such as hummingbirds.

11.  Place a tealight inside the coconut.

12. Loop the hibiscus through the lemon grass

14. Repeat

15. Take a moment to enjoy the view…ooh – a parasailor!

Voila!

Incidentally, lemon grass napkin holders and palm chair embellishments were other touches that gave this wedding a very tropical and eco-friendly feel. For more photographs of this and other weddings, please visit our gallery and how some love on our Facebook page!

Even though we could not be in Dublin to collect our award in person at the Ceremony, we did throw our own party here in Jamaica when the news broke that we had won.

Thanks to all who have allowed us the privilege to host their wedding, and thanks to the judges who recognised how special Hummingbird Hall really is.

You can find the full list of winners here: http://www.weddingsonline.ie/article/568/award-winners/.

Hummingbird Hall featured in an article in the Spring 2012 issue of The Bridal Magazine today. Please see pages 58 -59 in thebridalmag.co.uk or see the article below.

We are so proud that our weddings showcase so many of the fabulous reasons couples choose to have a destination wedding in Jamaica!

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.

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.

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!

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.”

Thank you for your continued support!

Even though we are no longer accepting bookings for weddings at the Rose Hall Aqueduct, an (admittedly beautiful!) wedding ceremony that we did design and coordinate was featured on the wedding blog Destination Inspirations today. The amazing photographs were taken by Kerri Doolitle, a wedding photographer whose work we we adore <3.

Incidentally, even though we are no longer accepting new bookings for the Rose Hall Aqueduct, we remain one of the most gorgeous destination wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception venues in Jamaica. Many couples do host a ceremony at the Rose Hall Aqueduct (through local wedding planners) and host their Cocktail Hour and Reception with us!

For the blog article please click here. Please contact us for more about hosting your reception with us!

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.

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.

We have been described as a “destination dream” by the wedding blog Sparkle and Hay.

Click here to read the full post!

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

One of our beautiful couples featured on 365 Brides today as The Hummingbird Bride with photographs from their Golf Cart Tour… can’t you just feel the love?! Adorable

We are so honoured to have been featured on the No Impact Bride wedding blog today. We take our eco-friendly commitment seriously, so it’s wonderful to have been acknowledged!

Please click here to see the feature.

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!

Hummingbird Hall’s Fresh Fruit Smoothie Station –an add on to our standard wedding package  - is always a hit with guests during the Cocktail Hour.

Think deliciously made tropical smoothies  – often with fruit picked from the gardens of Hummingbird Hall and the Rose Hall Estate – blended in front of your guests.

Described by an adorably cute flower girl as “yumtastic”, today we share three delicious recipes that you can try at home.

We’ve kept the extra special recipes (such as the layered smoothie pictured!) for the enjoyment of our guests at Hummingbird Hall, but what follows should bring some island goodness to you…wherever you are!

Island Buzz Jamaica

2 x Fresh Grapefruits (Hummingbird Hall / Rose Hall Estate)

2 x Fresh Ortaniques* (from the South Coast Parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica)

1 x Fresh Papaya (from the village of Martha Brae in Falmouth, Jamaica)

1 x Fresh Seville Orange (from the Rose Hall Estate)

Blend the above with ice and the zest of Jamaican lime.


 

*  Ortaniques are a tanger that was discovered in Jamaica. The name is a combination of “or” for orange, “tan” for tangerine, and “ique” for unique.


 

The Hummingbird

2 x peeled frozen Mangoes (there are a plethora of mango varieties in the gardens of Hummingbird Hall and the Rose Hall Estate – our favourites are Julie and Number Seven)

1 x peeled frozen Pineapple

1 coconut’s worth of chilled coconut water (not to be confused with coconut milk)

This recipe does not require ice as all the fruit are frozen immediately on reaching our kitchens!  Be sure to peel the mangoes and remove the seeds before they are frozen.

For an island spice kick – add a little cinnamon.


 

Ginger Sunset

½ root of ginger (Hummingbird Hall’s gardens)

¼ fresh watermelon (Falmouth Farmer’s Market)

1 x Spoonful of Honey (From Clarks Town, Rose Hall – 15 minutes from Hummingbird Hall)

1 x Banana (Hummingbird Hall/Rose Hall Estate)

Ice

Blend the above with ice, sprinkle dried Hibiscus leaves (Hummingbird Hall) to garnish.


 

Yah Mon!

We love, love, LOVE the Offbeat Bride Wedding Blog. We are so chuffed by their writeup!

Click here to read the article: You can totally have your artsy, eco-friendly, vegan, destination wedding of your dreams with Jamaica’s Hummingbird Hall.

Yay!

The Jamaica Tourist Board featured us on their blog Island Buzz Jamaica again! This time, as one of the five places to get married in Jamaica!

As they say in the article “Jamaica is packed with settings simply ideal for a wedding even the angels would envy.”

Click here to read the full feature.

Wedding Planner extraordinnaire showcased Hummingbird Hall on her site today.

To see her lovely words, click here.

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

When we heard the Jamaica Tourist Board had featured us on Island Buzz Jamaica – their official blog – we did a happy dance

Click here to see why!

Alisha featured on The Oceanside Bride!

Click here.

Jamaica is an ideal destination wedding island for so many reasons, including the gorgeous scenery, vibrant culture, friendly locals and truly delicious food and cocktails.

At Hummingbird Hall we continually strive to showcase the best of Jamaican culture – from our furniture (handmade by local artisan Peter Knibb), to the authentic cooking techniques used, to the artists we support (Dave Archer and Gene Pearson), the retreats we host and the warm, friendly attitude of our staff. Indeed, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board, Hummingbird Hall has been selected (yet again!) to host its prestigious Meet the People Reception for its “effortlessly authentic vibe”.

Yet the advice most commonly asked of Hummingbird Hall by couples is how to make their wedding “more Jamaican”, unique and unforgettable for first time visitors.

Whilst there are some secrets that we only divulge to our inner circle (aka clients!), below we share a few ideas that previous Hummingbird Hall clients have enjoyed:

Jerk Pit

Jerk chicken, pork and fish are culinary cornerstones of Jamaican culture; and jerk bins and their inviting aromas can be found on most street corners in Jamaica.

Rather than ending their wedding with a candy buffet as is customary; some Hummingbird Hall clients have enjoyed surprising their guests with an authentic jerk bin, complete with on site chef, as they leave.

A midnight snack with a Jamaican twist!

Dub poetry

Dub Poetry is a form of performance poetry consisting of spoken word over reggae rhythms that originated in Jamaica in the 1970s.

For couples who tire of “traditional” wedding entertainment; dub poets add a memorable, thoughtful-provoking and unique twist to Jamaican wedding festivities.

Whilst most dub poetry is of an overtly political and social nature; when dub poets talk about love – our hairs stand on end!

Dominoes

At Hummingbird Hall the front terrace is transformed into a “chill out zone” once the reception is in full swing. Think the flicker of tiki torches, lanterns and candles, gorgeous beverage dispensers, soft comfortable chairs and the delightful scent of night jasmine.

The most perfect setup for the most Caribbean of past-times – dominoes!

Jamaican Dancers

For couples who do not know their nuh linga from their butterfly, but still wish to create an authentic Jamaican atmosphere – Hummingbird Hall can provide professional Jamaican dancers to get the party moving! Our dancers dress in accordance with the dress code and subtly ensure the party is one to remember.

Smoothie Bar

What better way to treat wedding guests to Jamaica’s delightful variety of fruits than to provide a staffed smoothie station!

At Hummingbird Hall our smoothie station uses the freshest of ingredients and is a guaranteed hit with wedding guests of all ages.

Comedians

Jamaican comedians are very, very funny and are a unique addition to a Jamaican wedding!

Above are but a sample of ways to “Jamaicanify” your wedding. For more ideas, please speak with your Hummingbird Hall wedding consultant!

Alisha wrote a guest blog Boutique Destination Weddings for the fun Philly blog The Fab Bride today!

Please click here!

Destination Wedding Etiquette

For many brides and grooms there is nothing more romantic than saying “I Do” on a gorgeous tropical island beneath blue skies and sunshine.

Great weather, attractive prices, the natural high that being in the Caribbean brings, and the chance to introduce wedding guests to a one-of-a-kind wedding venue is nothing short of perfection for most Hummingbird Hall couples!

Yet, as couples planning their wedding soon find out; there is far more to achieving destination wedding success than simply choosing a stunning venue.

Here we answer some etiquette questions most commonly asked by Hummingbird Hall couples:

When do we send invitations?

Unless planning a small elopement, it is essential to send your destination wedding invitations early!

A “Save the Date” card or email should be sent as soon as you pay your deposit, and invitations no later than four months before your date.

At Hummingbird Hall we do not hold dates for couples yet to pay their deposit (to keep things fair).

We therefore do not recommend sending invitations prior to signing a contract and paying a deposit.

Incidentally, whilst Hummingbird Hall does provide custom invitations, we recently discovered a fabulous vendor – Loren of

Budget-Wise-Bride- who offers professionally designed invitations from US$6 [seriously!]. These invitations are ideal for the budget conscious, DIY bride; and arrive in a print ready format. Please click here to visit Loren’s site!

We love Hummingbird Hall and the idea of marrying in Jamaica, but are the first in our family to consider a destination wedding and those at home are lukewarm. What do we do?

Always remember why you are wedding planning in the first place – you and your partner want to declare your love in a way that is personal and meaningful.

If your destination wedding idea is vetoed; you will still host a wedding which is memorable and significant, so it’s important not to let destination wedding disputes overshadow your wedding planning!

That said – we would LOVE to host your wedding!

Build excitement and anticipation, and your friends and family will follow suit!

We advise:

- Researching flight deals – Jamaica is not as far (or as expensive!) as you may think. We LOVE Spirit’s US$9 Fare Club. Join Spirit’s US$9 Fare Club [for around US$35 dollars a year] and become eligible for tickets beginning at US$9!

- Reminding those who wish to participate in the planning and contribute to the wedding that they can still do so – even from afar. The Hummingbird Hall design team specialize in fulfilling the dreams of clients who are abroad.

- Having a Wedding Wedsite!

We believe that wedding wedsites can set the tone so significantly that we include complimentary, professionally designed wedsites in all of our packages. Our wedsites can handle RSVPs and include music, video clips, interactive quizzes and more!

I want my wedding to be an adults-only affair. How can I make sure that people don’t bring their kids?

The short answer is – do not invite children. Specifically, do not put their names on the invitation or write “and family” on the envelope.

However – Hummingbird Hall has a range of Adult Happy, Kid Friendly options – including teenage beauty stations and a dedicated Kidz Zone – that allow both adults and children to have a fabulous time. Please see here.

We are ranked as the third most child friendly establishment in Jamaica by childfriendly.co.uk and can happily keep the little ones entertained whilst the adults party!

Can we register for gifts if we’re having a destination wedding?

Whether you are eloping or hosting a destination wedding, you can always register for gifts.

Poor etiquette, however, is demanding gifts – particularly from those who have invested significant time and expenditure to attend your wedding in Jamaica!

Additionally – to protect your guests from onerous luggage restrictions, it is perfectly acceptable for gifts to be given before or after the wedding at home.

We are marrying at Hummingbird Hall and having a second reception closer to home a few weeks afterwards. Do we invite everyone to both events?

Simple though it may sound – only invite people to the event if you want them to attend.

Be sure to issue separate invitations for both events and maintain a strict separation of guest lists for both affairs – even if there will be significant overlap.

This keeps things clear and prevents surprises; such as a huge, unanticipated turn out for your destination wedding.

Who pays for the events surrounding the actual wedding and reception at destination weddings?

Guests are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses though not for paying any events to which they are invited [such as the Rehearsal Dinner].

However, if guests opt to take excursions between events you organize – such as these offered by Hummingbird Hall – it is not the responsibility of the wedding couple to pay.

What are the couple’s destination wedding duties?

In addition to paying for the actual wedding, and researching hotels and things to do in the area for a wide variety of budgets (at Hummingbird Hall we can assist you with this); couples should also acknowledge their guests’ attendance through a thank you card, small gift or welcome party.

Who should be invited to the destination wedding pre wedding parties?

As these parties are for guests of the wedding to be able to give gifts and celebrate with the bride or groom; typically you should not invite those who are not invited to the wedding.

If you wish to hold a party for those who will not be invited; you may wish to hold a party and specify that you do not want gifts.

The exceptions to this policy are very specific, for instance, office bridal showers where co-workers are not going to be invited to the wedding.

To whom and when do we send wedding announcements?

Wedding announcements should be sent to anyone and everyone who was unable to attend the destination wedding.

It is considered better etiquette to send a wedding announcement than an invitation to a guest you know will be unable to attend, since announcements do not carry with them the expectation of gifts.

Announcements also inform friends and family of your destination wedding and prevent persons feeling left out.

Destination weddings can be what dreams are made of!

The best properties book far in advance of the wedding date (we have bookings of up to two years ahead!).The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will achieve perfection. Congratulations!

Bride of Colour featured Hummingbird Hall today : -)

To see the feature please click here.

We are more than delighted to have been featured in the Sunday Review of the beautiful blog Destination Inspirations. We are such fans of this blog!

To read the feature, click here.

We are overjoyed to have won a Wedding Wire Brides’ Choice Award. This award puts us in the top 5% of wedding venues! Many thanks to all who voted.

Thank You

Dearest Hummingbird Hall family,

It is with immense pride that we announce that we have been awarded a Wedding Wire 2011 Bride’s Choice Award for our performance as a Wedding Venue.

The award is the result of real couples who reviewed and voted for us; and places us in the top 5% of Wedding Venues .

We are absolutely delighted to be bestowed with this honour.

We thank you from the depths of our hearts for recognizing our dedication, professionalism, energy and creativity. It is a genuine privilege to host your most special moments, and we cherish each and every letter of thanks, vote, referral and review.

In a sea of destination wedding venues in Jamaica and elsewhere – thank you for recognizing the excellence that is Hummingbird Hall.

We may not have the resources to advertise on prime time television; nor the funds to induce journalists to review us; but this award is proof that our commitment to glorious, one of a kind destination weddings is appreciated by those who matter the most – our clients!

We look forward to hosting many, many, MANY more wonderful weddings!

Thank you again!

The Directors and Staff of Hummingbird Hall

XOXOX

With our professional service, bespoke wedding design, great reputation, delicious cuisine and more embellishments than the majority of destination wedding venues in Jamaica; Hummingbird Hall’s clients are among the most relaxed out there.

However, even with the knowledge that everything IS taken care of and their wedding WILL be wonderful; guest-list stress, attire anxiety and even menu selection (so many choices!) can send even the most relaxed couples into a stress-blugh-ARGH spiral.

At Hummingbird Hall we delight in our clients enjoying all aspects of their Hummingbird Hall wedding journey (from Booking their Wedding to their eventual 10 year anniversary!); and so this blog posting comes courtesy of our in house yoga expert and an artist we love Kristen Jongen – to help bring wedding calm and happiness.

If you are inspired by the work of Kristen Jongen, please support her by visiting www.mysoulsoup.com. She’s awesome!

“BREATHE”

Breathing techniques are proven to relieve stress and give a sense a well-being and relaxation.

By integrating calming breathing techniques into your daily life; positive techniques become a normal way of being and thus help you exude calm and serenity on the Big Day

It’s a great idea to try the following breathing exercise each morning:

**   Lie on your back with your hands by your side

** Close your eyes

** Focus on your breathing, but without trying to control it

** Listen to your breath and visualize the action of breathing. With your mind’s eye visualize the gentle breath going into your nostrils and coming out. Do not force or control it, just watch it.

** Continue doing this for a few minutes until you feel as if your body is sinking into the mattress or mat

** Once this starts to happen, gently take control of your breathing and breathe in to the count of five and out to the count of five (consider this one round).

** Do five to ten rounds of this breathing to start with and build up to as many rounds as you wish.

** For each round make sure that you are concentrating on your breath, feel as if you are in control of, and in constant contact with each breath.

** Do not worry if your mind wonders, just bring it gently back to the breath.

As you feel more relax concentrate on each area of your body in turn. From your mind’s eye as you breathe in imagine your toes; consciously relax them as you breathe out. Do the same with your ankle, shin, knee, thighs up to the top of your head; taking each area in turn in your mind’s eye as you breathe in and consciously relaxing them as you breathe out.

As you practice this breathing you will experience a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm. When you are finished your practice for the day, slowly bring your body and mind back to your surroundings by gently raising and dropping your shoulders, gently clenching and unclenching your hand and feet.

Roll on your side, open your eyes and remain in that position breathing naturally before slowly rising.

Throughout the day, if you feel stressed; focus again on your breath; breathing in inaudibly to the count of five and out to the count of five until you regain this sense of control and relaxation.

You have your own stress control regulator; free and readily available to you day in day out up to and on the day of your wedding and beyond.

Enjoy!

The work below was created by, and belongs to:

KRISTEN JONGEN of  www.mysoulsoup.com

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Michelle’s guest post on Destination Weddings featured in English Wedding Blog today!

Click here to read the post.

Our lovely couple – Leanne and Graham – had their wedding featured as a Real Wedding on The Pink Book Nashville Blog.

To read about their love story and wedding, click here!

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