Pavilion of the Two Sisters

Wedding Day

#HollingsWedNg

Our Wedding

We are so excited to celebrate with our friends and family, and the health and safety of our loved ones is our top priority. As of now, the city of New Orleans has an indoor mask mandate (except for when eating/drinking) and also requires those who are 12 years of age and older attending indoor events to provide proof of at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine OR a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of said event to be allowed entry. These guidelines apply to our wedding, so please be sure to have everything you need before coming down to the Crescent City! Please visit the <a href="https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/safe-reopening/#phase" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NolaReady website</a> for more complete information regarding current safety guidelines.

COVID-19 Information and Guidelines

Melinda didn't know anyone when she moved to New Orleans in January 2014 for her music therapy internship. Thankfully her SMU friend, Brett Davis, got her in touch with some of his buddies who had moved back to town after college and told them to be nice to her. Nelson and Melinda first met at a watch party for the Saints playoff game against the Seahawks (where they lost terribly) at NOLA Brewing where Nelson worked. The gang continued to be nice to Melinda and include her in things, and introduced her to Mardi Gras, F&amp;M's, and life in the Crescent City.After a few weeks and some flirting, what was supposed to be a more relaxed night hanging out with Nelson and Zac at their apartment turned into a night that ended up at Harrah's with a few other friends. It was at those very romantic slot machines that Nelson and Melinda had their first kiss. A couple more weeks and a butt-dial later, Nelson asked Melinda on their first date and the rest, as they say, is history.At the end of her internship, Melinda got her first job offer in Miami, FL and she and Nelson made the decision to try long distance. Finally, after a move to Texas and 6 years apart, Melinda made the leap and moved to New Orleans in February 2020. Apparently the COVID quarantine didn't change Nelson's mind too much about the relationship because he proposed in City Park on April 24th, 2020 at a fountain not far from the wedding venue.

Our Story

We know many of our guests may not know what to expect at a Jewish wedding, so here's a quick reference guide to things you might see during our ceremony.

Kippah- This is a Jewish head covering that (traditionally) men wear as a sign of humility and respect for God.The Ketubah- This is the marriage contract that is signed before the ceremony with two witnesses.The Chuppah- This is the wedding canopy under which the ceremony takes place. It symbolizes our first home that we will build together, and is open on all sides to represent that our home is open to family, friends, and the community.Kiddushin- Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. One symbolizes the marriage proposal and the other the nuptials. We will share both cups, symbolizing our commitment to our shared future together.The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)- These are recited over the second cup of wine. They acknowledge God as the creator of man and woman, joy and happiness, and love and peace.Tallit- a Jewish prayer shawlBreaking of the Glass- The ceremony will conclude with Nelson smashing a glass under his right foot. This serves as a reminder of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and that even in times of great celebration there is sorrow in the world. The broken glass is also a reminder of the delicate nature of marriage, which should always be nurtured. Once Nelson breaks the glass, it is customary for the guests to shout "Mazel Tov!" as a way to wish us congratulations and good luck!

Intro to Jewish Weddings

Please use the link below to our hotel block when booking, or call the toll-free reservation line listed and be sure to mention the Hollings-Ng Wedding block to make your reservation. Please be sure to reserve your rooms by the cutoff date of September 8, 2021.

The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton

Please use the link below to our hotel block when booking, or be sure to mention you're booking in the Hollings/Ng wedding block if you call to make your reservation. Also be sure to make your reservation by the cutoff date of September 10, 2021.

Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District

Due to Hurricane Ida, the hotel has graciously extended the cutoff date to September 27th, 2021. You can call to make your reservations or send an email to reservations@baronneplaza.com. Be sure to mention the Ng/Hollings Wedding room block!

Wyndham Garden Baronne Plaza New Orleans

Travel

Abi and Melinda met when they were in the same orientation group for SMU in the summer of 2009. They sang I'm On a Boat together and it was pretty much the last time Abi could sing a song without looking at Melinda's mouth for the words.

Abi Poe

Veronica and Melinda met when they were 3 years old in a church choir and have been singing, dancing, and getting into trouble together ever since. 

Veronica Cook

Julia Ng

Julia Hollings

Brett Davis

Zac Crawford

Ben Schwertz

David Lamberson

Denny Ng

Wedding Party

We recommend calling ahead anywhere you plan to go to ask about COVID-19 measures in place and to make any necessary reservations.

City Park is home to so many activities and attractions such as:-<a href="https://noma.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Orleans Museum of Modern Art</a> (NOMA)-<a href="https://noma.org/sculpture-garden/works-in-the-garden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Park Sculpture Garden</a> -<a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/city-putt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City Putt Miniature Golf </a>-<a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Orleans Botanical Garden</a> (of which you'll see a glimpse at the wedding!)-<a href="https://www.lcm.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Louisiana Children's Museum</a>-There are also <a href="https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/boating-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boating and bike rentals</a> available

City Park

The National WWII Museum

Audubon Zoo

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

There are so many ways to explore the city. Take a ride on the streetcar, book a tour of the Garden District, try a ghost tour in the French Quarter, or set off on your own- just don't forget to sample all the good food along the way!

Things to Do

Abi Poe Photography

Melinda & Nelson

Melinda & Nelson

Photos