Zest & Zorya is a multi-sensory event design and production house in Orange County, California.

Immersive dinners, weddings and brand experiences — in private homes and venues, on the coast and in the desert.

Zest & Zorya philosophy

At Zest & Zorya we create timeless atmospheres where every element is intentional, and perfection can be quiet.

Inspired by ancient rituals and timeless craftsmanship, our events carry depth, soul and history. Our work is rooted in a reverence for service, and a passion for transforming space, time and taste into something unforgettable.

White canopies, low tables and cushions on a wooden deck among desert boulders

At a glance

Based in
Orange County, California
We work
Orange County, Los Angeles and across Southern California — the coast and the desert
Events
Private dinners, weddings, brand activations and pop-ups, holiday and corporate events
What we do
Concept, scenography, tablescapes, lighting, menus and full production
Contact
contact@zestandzorya.com
@zest_and_zorya

Services

A candlelit lounge with floor cushions and low tables bathed in deep red light

Event production

We produce events from A to Z&Z — from creative concept development to the immersive experience itself.

  • Construction & build-out
  • Lighting design
  • Sound
  • Entertainment
  • Logistics
  • Venue sourcing
  • Staffing
A glowing canopy with lanterns and rugs on a wooden deck overlooking a desert valley at dusk

Scenography & art direction

We consider all five senses and how guests will move through and interact with the space. It’s not just “decor” — it’s the entire multi-sensory experience.

  • Space layout
  • Custom flooring, walls, ceiling
  • Decoration
  • Sound
  • Bespoke tablescape design
  • Lighting
An outdoor feast among desert boulders, with bread in a woven basket, mezze and blue-and-white ceramics

Immersive dining

Beyond just a meal: a narrative. Food, decor, lighting, sound and interactive moments work together into one immersive experience.

  • Bespoke menus and food design
  • Bar menu design
  • Custom tableware and service accessories
  • Stationery
  • Floristry
  • Multi-sensory experience
A red-toned tablescape with tall taper candles, dark plates, copper napkins and garden roses

Tablescape design

Thematic table styling for every kind of occasion, designed to resonate with guests on an emotional level.

  • Choreography of fabric
  • Elements of storytelling
  • Tableware
  • Floristry
A theatrical installation with a giant sculpted hand and a knight figure with glowing red eyes

Branded experiences

Through artful scenography we invite your customers to step inside your brand’s world. These encounters spark deep connection, inspire loyalty and leave you with authentic content.

  • Pop-ups
  • Seated dinners
  • Immersive events
A small draped table with champagne and a bouquet on the rocks at the ocean's edge at sunset

Wedding concept

A full creative approach that transforms your wedding into an immersive, high-end experience.

  • Sourcing of unique elements
  • Hand-picked creative collaborators
  • Complex setups
  • Logistics
  • Styling concept for ceremony and reception
  • Lighting design
  • Production
Katia Kado, founder of Zest & Zorya, beside a dinner table set with pink taper candles, roses and champagne

From the founder

Hi! I am Katia Kado, the founder and creative director of Zest & Zorya. Born in Ukraine and shaped by years in hospitality, I see every event as a story waiting to unfold — not just through visuals, but through feeling, flavor, scent, rhythm, history and intention.

With a background in immersive experiences, luxury table styling and lighting design, I bring together aesthetics and emotion to create unforgettable atmospheres. I believe the true magic lies in the details.

My process is both intuitive and precise — from concept to the final light dimmed. I often co-create with my sister, a Central Saint Martins artist, and my husband, an expert in technical architectural detailing — together infusing each experience with contemporary artistry, structural integrity and a distinctive edge.

For me, hospitality is sacred. It’s how we honor people. Through Zest & Zorya, I help brands, couples and creatives celebrate with soul, beauty and intention.

Projects

Salt flats and desert boulders, coastal coves, olive groves, candlelit rooms and holiday sets.

FAQ

What types of events do you create?

We design immersive, emotionally resonant experiences. Our formats include themed dining journeys, pop-up experiences in unique locations, intimate weddings with atmospheric design, and visual direction for brand activations. Each project is handcrafted — from lighting and textures to scent, sound and spatial storytelling. Our goal is not just to impress, but to deeply move.

Where do you work?

We are based in Orange County and design events across Orange County, Los Angeles and Southern California — in private homes and venues, on the coast and in the desert.

Do you work with brands?

Yes. We create pop-ups, seated brand dinners and immersive events that invite your customers into your brand’s world — and leave you with authentic content.

What does an event with Zest & Zorya cost?

Every project is custom. Share your budget range in the inquiry form, and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible for your date, guest count and vision.

What happens after I send an inquiry?

We reply with a few questions and a time for a short call. After the call we send a concept and a proposal.

How can we help?

Our crew of magic-makers includes best-in-class experts whose skills span event planning, experiential strategy, programming and architecture, lighting system design, event production, wayfinding, technical design, graphic design and 3D modeling, floral design and styling.

Contact

Tell us your date, guest count and location, and we’ll be in touch.

Write to us about your project, a strategic partnership, a media request or a general inquiry. You can also email contact@zestandzorya.com or message us on Instagram.

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