Monica Pote & Danny King
M & D
Counting Down to Forever
A Friendship That Became Forever
A friendship that grew into something more — hear it from each of us
Hotel Block
We have hotel blocks booked at a special rate at both the W and Element. They share the same building — the W occupies the top floors and Element occupies the bottom.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a different hotel. If you do, we recommend staying in the Rittenhouse, Old City or Logan Square neighborhoods.
Element Philadelphia Downtown
1441 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 709-9000
Visit Website →Registry
I first met Danny in the early days of our freshman year of college. We had a few classes together and he was a familiar face in the dorms. He was such a goofball — always wearing brightly colored shirts and making people laugh. He always went out of his way to talk to me and always had something to say even though I didn't always find it necessary. Now looking back, he was definitely flirting and had a little crush on me.
We went our separate ways after college, but reconnected at the Blue and White game in spring 2018 at State College. Once again, he spent a lot of time talking and flirting with me at that tailgate. We texted a bit after and Danny asked me on a date. Initially, it felt so weird thinking that I was going on a date with Danny King. The week before the date, I tried telling my girlfriends from college (shout out Lauren/Paige), but I kept laughing trying to make the words come out. When I finally said it out loud, the softness in their expression and excitement put me at ease. I was ready to take a chance on him.
On a Friday in June, I was over an hour late to our first date. When I finally showed up, I saw him across the street in front of the restaurant. He SCREAMED in excitement, "MONICA…… MONICA!!!" with a big wave. Immediately, I was embarrassed of this scene. I didn't know it then, but that moment perfectly foreshadowed exactly how Danny is with me. (We still go back to that restaurant every year and reenact that scene.) When we got to the restaurant, Danny asked the hostess for a table. To tone down the date, I immediately stepped in and said the bar is just fine. So we sat at the bar for 4 hours, caught up on life and I saw another side of my friend. I realized just how romantic and caring this goofball is. Later that weekend on Sunday morning, we walked around Philly and I can't describe it, but walking around the city with him, I just knew. I knew in the way he held my hand, the way he guided me through the puddles, the way we ran across the street together. I knew this was so different.
Two weeks later, I went down to Baltimore and visited him. I had this feeling that he was going to ask me to be his girlfriend even though I thought it might be too soon. We spent all Saturday walking around the harbor and I could tell he was working up the courage to ask. When we would have a perfect opportunity, he would look at me and I would think he was about to say it, but he would chicken out. We went out for sushi that night, and he asked me to be his girlfriend.
We spent the next two years doing "long distance" between Philadelphia and Baltimore. We made the most of that time with plenty of beach trips and runs along the inner-harbor. During COVID, I moved into his Baltimore apartment with his friends. As COVID dragged on, I ended up staying there for weeks and cycled through the same 4 outfits that I had packed with me. Those were great times spending so much time together working from home. I know that would drive most people crazy, but we knew we were ready to live together as the Baltimore chapter began to close. A few weeks later, he moved to Fairmount in Philly with a friend and the next year, we moved into our little apartment in Rittenhouse. At this point, Danny was a pro at moving. This was the first time I lived somewhere outside of my parents' house post-college. I just loved having us be a little unit building our lives together. We eventually moved to the suburbs and continue to carry this spirit with us.
What I really admire about Danny is his softness and compassion. It shows up in how he treats others and how he speaks to me. His kind-heartedness is truly something you rarely come across in life. He always wants to help no matter the task. He's driven, he's smart and above all, he always puts me first. He'll do anything just to make me happy. I owe so much of every achievement of mine to the support that Danny has provided me and that's the side that not everyone sees. He makes me feel like nothing is impossible which has helped me build so much confidence in myself. He always encourages me to try things and will always greet me with the most supportive spirit. He has the most comforting energy and will tackle the biggest problems with empathy, always reminding me to be kind to myself. It's jarring to me how someone can be all of that AND enjoy laughing as much as I do. Our best times are spent giggling as best friends with our inside jokes. To have all of that in a partner is like winning the lottery. It's more than I've ever dreamed of.
When Danny asked me to marry him, I immediately flashed back to the first years of our friendship and relationship — the dorms, the tailgates, the reassuring hugs, the belly laughs. You might be thinking… what took us so long to get here? Well, we spent most of our 20s and now 30s together, and we always knew that we were meant to be together. We might have met each other at 18, but I've known him for a lifetime. I enjoyed growing up together as your partner over the past 8 years, now I can't wait to grow old(er) with you, Danny King.
P.S. I hope you never stop flirting with me <3
Wedding Day
Join us for a day filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after
Ceremony
We'll start the day by exchanging heartfelt vows in an outdoor ceremony, weather permitting, set in a shaded space surrounded by stunning Greek architecture. We can't wait to share this meaningful moment with you!
Cocktail Hour
This is our personal favorite part of any wedding! Grab a drink, mingle, and enjoy butlered appetizers.
Reception
The celebration continues with a few words from the people who helped get us here. Then enjoy great food, flowing drinks, and plenty of dancing as we celebrate together.
After Party
Not ready for the night to end? Join us for an optional after-party in the city. More details to follow closer to the wedding.
More details coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out!
We kindly ask that our guests dress in formal attire. Ladies- think cocktail dresses at or below the knee, floor-length dresses or pantsuits. Men- suit, tie and jacket in any color.
Yes! We've arranged for a valet team to handle parking onsite. We also recommend using Uber or Lyft for ease and convenience. The hall is also conveniently located near the Broad Street Line.
Yes! After the reception, we'll continue the celebration. Details to come closer to the wedding date.
