Saito Orchard

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Dress Code: Semi-formal/Cocktail

Our Wedding

November 2017We technically first met online! Although, Emily is confident that the only reason she even wanted to meet up with Zack in person was because of her friend Bradley Kim, who was a mutual friend. Bradley said, "He's a great guy and an even greater friend." SHOUT OUT TO BRADLEY CAUSE WE WOULDN'T BE HERE CELEBRATING WITHOUT HIM!!

How We Met

Zack always goes BIG! He had Christine take Emily out to Lucky Llama for a sister breakfast while the rest of the family set up the house for a surprise engagement party! Zack planned a scavenger hunt of places that were important to them around Carp. At each stop, one of Emily's family members was there with the next clue. Zack was waiting in the orchard in his nice suit with Lesly Kubota, an amazing wedding photographer that Emily works for to capture the whole thing (shout out @lesliejoyphotography on insta)! After photos, we went back to the house where Emily and Zack's family and friends were waiting to surprise her. As always at family gatherings, we ate a ton of bomb food lol We ended the day with a sunset walk on the beach with everyone :)

Our Engagement

Our Story

Photos

Emily is not only my little sister, she's my best friend.  We grew up sharing a room and doing just about everything together.  From countless hours at the dance studio, to waiting for our brother before/after his hockey games, Emily and I knew that we always had each other.  Even still, I try to be her biggest cheerleader in every stage of her life. 
 Although I am the older sister, Emily has always been my voice of reason and the person I go to for advice. She is the best judge of character, so I knew that Zack would fit into our family seamlessly.  I am honored to stand by her side as she marries the guy who makes her the happiest! 

Christine Kelly

When I think of Emily, I think of our all day beach and pool days. We would be in the water for hours to the point where her parents would have to drag us out. We were too busy playing and telling secrets. Which didn’t change when she would come home to visit. I think of our note passing in school, and our letters that we would send each other while she was in Seattle. I remember after hearing about Zack, I knew he was the one for her. I could not picture someone so perfect for Emily. They are both so driven, creative, loyal, funny, nerdy, and kind people. And Zack is a chismosa like us so I knew he was going to fit right in <3

Katie Macias

Emily and I met in first grade at a school bowling trip and have been inseparable ever since - so much so that people thought we were dating in high school. When I think back on my childhood and adolescence, the person always by my side is Emily. From Girls Inc basketball and marching band performances to candy-ridden movie nights and windy beach picnics, Emily and I have created countless inside jokes, embarrassing moments, and beautiful memories together (the boogie board one being my all-time favorite, iykyk). Even now, as we enter our late 20s and are separated by hundreds of miles, Emily is the first person I go to for guidance, support, and her top-tier brutal honesty. Emily is kind, thoughtful, creative, funny, and talented, and I am so glad that she has found such a supportive and uplifting partner in Zack. As an honorary Saito, it makes my heart so happy to welcome Zack into the family and celebrate the most perfect pair on their special day. 

Kelsie Bryant

Yemyem and I met as freshmen at UW in the FIG program, and she was one of the first real connections I made after moving to Seattle. I still remember being in the Ode library studying for some insane exam with her while she was telling me about "this ginger guy". Yes... ginger guy was Zack HAHA. We couldn't have guessed where our lives would take us from there or how much we would go through together: taking organic chemistry with a professor so old school he wouldn't even use Powerpoint to losing our jobs and moving several times in a year because of the pandemic- we've really been through it. Yem and Zack are truly two of the many lights of my life- they're tenacious and compassionate and talented and have so many good things coming their way- I'm just happy to be here with them. Also I heard there was an open bar? ;P

Bea Haro

Hi I’m Erin. Yem and I have been cousins for 26 years (still goin strong, clearly lol). We grew up grew up together—dancing, going to all the same schools through high school, playing tennis, and spending mucho quality time together playing Furyville and eating grandma’s tangerines. 

I am convinced that the essence of Emily is glue. Even though she wears many MANY hats—artist, baker, dancer, entrepreneur, DIY queen, scientist, wedding planner, hype woman, friend and confidant, human furnace, love of all of our lives—she has this special ability to bring people together and make us all feel SO loved and SO alive. She is glue. The happiest of glue. :) And I am SO excited for her and Zack, who is most (if not all) of these things too. I’m not sure I’ve ever met two peas who were meant for the same pod. I love you both SO much! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 

Erin Saito

Yem and I go way back. Born 2 weeks apart and just a 5 minute drive away, we spent hours together. Lots of popsicles. Lots of farts. Lots of laughter. While adulthood has led me all the way to Utah, visits home are always the same. Full of food. Full of farts. Full of laughter. I'm glad Zack finds farts just as funny as Yem and I. Y'all are the best cousins I could've asked for.

Natalie Leung-Wo

Meeting Zack was like an urban myth coming true. In high school, I showed up to class and heard this folklore about a red-headed speedster, who goes to Cleveland but doesn’t… the tale went something like “he’s traveling the world for the semester, but he’ll be back”. My first thought was “that's not a real thing”. Now how we first met, I couldn't tell you, frankly my memory is terrible. But what sticks vividly are the moments in between: the endless nights of tomfoolery with the boys in high school, the competitive sport clashes, the heartfelt conversations about life, dreams, and the countless escapades that unfolded during our time at UW, amidst a chaotic blend of eight roommates. From the very beginning, Zack and his family graciously welcomed me into their fold, a gesture I'll forever cherish. All of these unforgettable moments that have shaped our friendship and witnessing Zack find his own tribe is the cherry on top. I'm honored to stand beside him on this remarkable journey.

Agaziyan Mengesha 

My little Zechariah is getting married. I met Zack on the first day of high school, and he was in my first advisory class. He was also a giant nerd, so we hit it off pretty fast. But then this dude disappeared after the first week of school; what the hell?? Turns out, he was traveling around Europe, but it was wild because I was like, where did my token white friend go? One of the many stories I have of Zack and I was the first of our quadrennial all-bros trips. Zack and the rest of the group went to the Oregon coast, which was super fun. There was a sand mountain that was a huge tourist attraction, so we had to check it out. The worst idea ever, literally took us 30-40 minutes to climb this steep ass sandy hill. There were multiple times we almost gave up. Even Zack, the D1 football player, was struggling.
To make matters worse, kids were zooming up the mountain. You would’ve thought we climbed K1 or Everest when we finally reached the top. Still, even though I was heaving and sweating, the view of the Oregon coast from the top was legendary.

Devin Doss

If I’m being honest I don’t remember how I met Zack, though if you ask me, that’s how the best friendships start. My first memory of Zack was actually in HSTAA 235 before I ever officially met him, there’s not a lot of buff gingers in existence so he stuck out. But who would have thought these two random strangers would end up becoming roommates for two very memorable years during college. From late night sports arguments, to eating Zack’s delicious food, or all the times we spent at the library not studying, the memories I’ve made with Zack bring a smile to my face and a warmness to my heart. So excited to be apart of this and can’t wait to celebrate y’all next year!

Trevon Davis

Describing Zack as just a brother wouldn’t do our bond justice. From birth we were chosen family, but through years of learning and relearning each other we’ve become each others biggest supporters, advisors, and confidants. Watching us grow from two nerdy kids with duel discs and Walgreens candy hauls to now embracing our passions and living out our wildest dreams, I’m honored to be a part of this moment. I can’t wait to stand beside you as you enter this new journey.

Emily, I’d say you won the lottery but I truly believe the luck goes both ways. Welcome to the family, and I can’t wait to celebrate you both in May!!!

Jason Beverly

Zack and I grew up on the same block and have known each other our whole lives. Played mostly similar sports, and hung out whenever possible. There used to be a rule that my sister and I couldn't go knock on Zack and Gracie's door until after 9am or else Curtis would be mad at us.  From there it was playing NCAA basketball (Zack was always UW and I was WSU, Shout out Klay Thompson) and eventually Star wars Battlefront and MW2. One of my fondest memories with Zack is the creation of our very own YouTube channel, the Persona "Painted Rock" and all the other amazingly terrible videos we made together. Even after I moved away from Seattle to start Highschool we were still very close. I am so excited to be apart of this next amazing step in his life together with Emily.  Celebrating love is so special and I'm very honored to be apart of it.

Conrad Perry

Wedding Party

Q + A

Santa Barbara Airport

We have a wedding block at this hotel! We have reserved 30 rooms in the block, they are first come first serve. All guests must book their rooms before May 2 if they want to receive the discounted rate. Please call the Carpinteria Location and Mention Saito Brown Wedding Block or book online through the link provided. It will take you to their home page, put in the dates you would like to stay and leave the section that says "Group Rate". You should see Saito-Brown Wedding under the rates for each room.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carpinteria an IHG Hotel

We do not have a room block here, but they give discounts for AAA and AARP members.

Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn

There's are some airbnbs in the area. Summerland is a 5-10 minute drive away, and if you don't mind driving a little bit (20 min drive), there are also airbnbs in Ventura or Santa Barbara.

Airbnb Carpinteria/Summerland 

Travel

We LOVE sunset walks in the spring! Fair warning, the water is a little chilly during this time of year if you want to jump in the ocean!

Carpinteria State Beach

Linden Avenue

Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary

Ventura Harbor Village

The collection is a 30 minute drive from Carpinteria, but a cute place to walk around and has a lot of choices of places to eat!

The Collection at RiverPark

Our favorite Mexican food in Carpinteria! Also in the back of a Mexican convenience store. Zack's favorite is the carnitas torta, Emily's favorite is the Chili relleno burrito with carne asada, but everything here is good. Get their orange salsa! Its THE BEST

Reyes Market

A cute Thai food place in Carpinteria! We love their pad see ew and fried rice.

Siam Elephant Thai Restaurant

This is our favorite Mediterranean Food in the area! It is in the back of a small grocery store. We recommend getting it to go and eating at the Ventura Harbor. You can navigate there by typing in "Ventura Harbor Boatyard"

Santa Cruz Market

All you can eat KBBQ! SO BOMB Also this is in the Collection so you can take a nice little stroll after!

Gen Korean BBQ House

There's TONS of different places to eat and drink here! The vibes are so great, and its one block away from the Santa Barbara Boardwalk where you can walk or rent out a bicycle car!

The Funk Zone

Ramen in Santa Barbara! Except it's not just Ramen! Zack's favorite is the crispy chicken black garlic ramen or the sweet and sour chicken plate, and Emily's favorite is the spicy miso chasu ramen. Zack's must order!: Spicy miso wings

Sachi | Ramen & Robata Bar

Things to Do/Our Favorite Eats

Registry

Once you RSVP Yes to our wedding, we will send you a message with your assigned shuttle time! Please Park near or in the lot of The Church of Jesus of Christ Latter-Day Saints in Carpinteria: 1501 Linden Ave Carpinteria, CA 93013the vans will be stationed to the right of the church We recommend showing up 5-10 minutes before your assigned shuttle time, just to make sure you have time to park and load into the van. Shuttle times will begin at 3:15PM and the last pick up time will be 4:15. Please do not be late, or you will not be shuttled up until after the ceremony takes place! If you do not see the vans when you park, please wait, they will be making rounds of drop offs every 15 minutes. At the End of the Night: We will have the same vans making trips out to take everyone back to their cars starting at 9:00 PM.Just make your way down to the vans where they dropped you off and the drivers will take you back to your car!

Emily & Zack

Emily & Zack

Photos