Celebrity Celebrity Weddings Celebrity Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions Melinda Gates Smiles While Spending Time with Daughter Jennifer in N.Y.C. Ahead of Wedding Weekend "It will be a big wedding," a source tells PEOPLE of Jennifer Gates and Nayel Nassar's upcoming nuptials By Maria Pasquini Maria Pasquini Maria Pasquini is the staff editor for human interest’s digital vertical at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2017. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 14, 2021 08:07PM EDT (L-R) Melinda French Gates and Jennifer Gates. Photo: splash News Melinda French Gates and daughter Jennifer Gates enjoyed a day out in New York City! The pair were seen arriving at the Plaza Hotel on Wednesday ahead of Jennifer's wedding to fiancé Nayel Nassar. Melinda, 57, wore a statement-making pink ensemble for the outing, while the bride-to-be, 25, opted for a lacy white dress. "They kicked off the celebrations yesterday in N.Y.C.," a source previously told PEOPLE. "Jennifer was with her family and friends yesterday and Nayel with his." "They both seem very excited about their wedding week," the source added. Jennifer is the eldest daughter of Melinda and ex-husband Bill Gates. The pair, who finalized their divorce in August, are also parents to son Rory John, 22, and daughter Phoebe Adele, 19. Jennifer Gates. splash News Melinda Gates Throws Daughter Jennifer 'Incredibly Special' Party Ahead of Her Upcoming Wedding In addition to joining her daughter on this week's pre-wedding festivities, Melinda has taken an active role in preparing for Jennifer's special day. For more on Jennifer Gates' upcoming wedding and other top stories, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. "It will be a big wedding," a source tells PEOPLE of the nuptials, which will take place in Westchester County, New York this weekend. "Jennifer is very close with her mom," the source adds. "Melinda is a huge part of the wedding preparations." (L-R) Melinda French Gates and Jennifer Gates. splash News Since her parents' split, Jennifer has spoken warmly of both of her parents. In August, about two weeks after Bill and Melinda's divorce was finalized, Jennifer shared a series of affectionate birthday tributes to her mother. "Happy birthday to our one of a kind mom, woman and hero," she wrote. "Wishing you the biggest celebrations today and most incredible year ahead." RELATED VIDEO: Melinda Gates Calls Marriage to Bill 'Irretrievably Broken,' Declines Spousal Support Despite No Prenup The Stanford graduate has also spent time with her father. "Nothing better than quality time with family members," she captioned a smiling photo with Bill back in May. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Jennifer, who is currently an MD Candidate at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, announced her engagement in January 2020. Jennifer Gates and Nayel Nassar. Nayel Nassar/Instagram "Nayel Nassar, you are one of a kind. Absolutely swept me off my feet this past weekend, surprising me in the most meaningful location over one of our many shared passions," she captioned a photo of the pair, who began dating in January 2017. "I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives learning, growing, laughing and loving together," she added. "Yes a million times over."