Demi Friedson (née Zitelman), 37, and Andrew Friedson, 39, recently exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony that showcased their love story, roots, and a shared passion for family.
The couple first crossed paths in 2017 through an online dating platform, but it wasn’t just their mutual interest in each other that captured their attention. They later discovered having attended several of the same social gatherings over the years.
“You see those scenes in a movie and you’re like, ‘That’s not real. That could never happen.’ … It turns out, it actually is real,” Andrew reflected on their serendipitous connection.
Despite an undeniable chemistry during their first date at Uncle Julio’s in Bethesda, Andrew was preoccupied with his political ambitions, which made the timing feel off. Nonetheless, both kept in touch, and the pair finally decided to rekindle their connection in 2021 after receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations.
They chose Tiki on 18th in Adam’s Morgan for their next outing and were delighted to feel the sparks fly once again. Demi shared, “Being from the same area and having so much overlap and just mutual connections, it was a sense of comfort and familiarity.”
Fast forward to August 4, 2023, when Andrew whisked Demi away to the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris for a romantic proposal. Outside the museum, they found a secluded spot where Andrew had arranged for a violinist to play two significant songs: “Joy” by Andy Grammer and “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott.
On May 26, 2024, the couple said “I do” in front of a picturesque backdrop of the Choptank River at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, surrounded by approximately 300 guests.
Demi expressed that the personalized touches throughout their ceremony made it a highlight. They wrote their own vows, and the officiant for the day was Andrew’s longtime rabbi. Instead of traditional bridal parties, they opted for a charming procession featuring their ten young nieces and nephews. Andrew highlighted this decision, stating, “That allowed us to really center our families as part of the ceremony.”
The couple entered beneath a stunning transparent chuppah adorned with white hydrangeas, delphiniums, and orchids escorted by their parents. After exchanging vows, they walked back up the aisle as “Joy” played—a nod to their engagement.
The reception was described as a joyous gathering, transitioning from an outdoor cocktail hour to an indoor ballroom. Andrew characterized it as a “party-forward” event where the focus was on having a good time together without distractions.
Demi, who has a minimalistic style, imbued her vision into the simple yet elegant decor. The reception tables featured an inviting white-and-champagne color scheme complemented by elegant glassware and delicate ivory flowers, creating a serene ambiance.
For dinner, guests were treated to a delightful meal featuring pistachio-crusted salmon, served alongside a fresh salad of romaine hearts, watermelon radishes, pepitas, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and focaccia croutons. As a local touch, the couple chose Maryland’s official state dessert: a selection of Smith Island cakes in varied flavors including chocolate, Funfetti, cookies and cream, and strawberry.
Signature cocktails added a personal twist to the celebration, with “his” being an old-fashioned, “hers” a skinny margarita, and a joint option of an espresso martini.
The evening continued with their first dance to “You Are the Reason,” the same song which accompanied Andrew during his proposal. An 11-piece band, Free Spirit, kept the energy lively with an adaptive mix of modern and classic tracks. The highlight came when Demi, despite her initial hesitations, was cheered on stage to perform Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Andrew exclaimed, “It was one of the greatest moments of my life,” showcasing the love and support he has for Demi even in moments of vulnerability.
After the reception excitement, the couple took a playful turn to their wedding memories. In a fun twist, following a suggestion from their photographer, they changed into bathing suits for a lively poolside photo shoot, capturing the joyful spirit of their celebration.
For their honeymoon, the couple intended to unwind after a busy period of work and wedding planning. They enjoyed an all-inclusive trip to Antigua, a getaway won at a silent auction, allowing them a perfect blend of relaxation and romantic beach time.
Reflecting on their journey, Demi and Andrew’s love story is characterized by rich connections to their past, thoughtful planning, and a deep appreciation for family, making their wedding not just an event, but a celebration of their life together.
Their chosen vendors also contributed significantly to the beautifully orchestrated day, from the catering and venue at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay to photography by Michael Bennett Kress and videography from Rivion Wedding Films.
Overall, their adventure as a couple began with a serendipitous online meeting and blossomed into a significant celebration of love, community, and cherished memories, leaving them excited for the future ahead.
image source from：https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/05/26/wedding-andrew-demi-friedson/
