Honest wedding storytelling.
Based in Taranaki, Romea of Fleck and Forest Photography is known for her soulful, documentary approach to wedding photography. With a focus on honest moments and natural storytelling, she captures celebrations as they unfold, from the quiet in-betweens to the joy-filled highlights, without anything feeling staged or rushed. For couples who want to be fully present while their story is thoughtfully documented, Romea offers a calm, intuitive presence and the option to blend digital imagery with nostalgic 35mm film.
In the Q&A below, she shares more about her creative process, what inspires her work, and the moments she loves capturing most.
How would you describe your visual style, and what first drew you to weddings as a creative medium?
Honest, authentic, and natural. I’ve always been drawn to real connection and emotion, and weddings bring all of that together in one day. There’s so much meaning, history, and love in the room – it feels like a privilege to document it.
What excites you most about photographing weddings right now?
The feeling of walking into a space where everyone is happy and fully focused on celebrating the couple. I’m also loving seeing new trends come through, especially when it comes to florals, couples are getting more intentional and creative, and it’s so inspiring.
How do you balance strong artistic direction with letting moments unfold naturally?
I always tell my couples that some moments are purely candid. The ceremony, especially, should be left to unfold naturally. I never force a creative idea. Getting to know my couples really well beforehand helps me create images that feel true to them and capture moments they’ll genuinely love.
What details or in-between moments do you find yourself instinctively drawn to?
Grandparents and children. I come from a close-knit family, so seeing generations come together to celebrate a couple instantly fills my heart. Those moments often carry so much quiet emotion.
What creative influences outside of weddings shape the way you see and shoot?
I grew up in a family of creatives, my mum was a wedding photographer, which first sparked my passion. My husband also played a huge role; he encouraged me to pursue wedding photography even when I lacked confidence. He’s now my second shooter, and we truly love every wedding we get to experience together.
What has surprised you most since stepping into the wedding photography space?
That connection matters more than the “perfect” shot. As photographers, it’s easy to chase perfection, but the images couples treasure most are often the emotional, imperfect, in-between moments. We put a lot of emphasis on building genuine connections and almost all of our reviews reflect how we make couples, families, and guests feel.
What kinds of stories, moods or settings are you hoping to capture more of in the coming years?
More spontaneous, relaxed moments. I’d also love the privilege of photographing a few surprise or intimate weddings there’s something so special about their energy.
How do you hope your images feel when couples first see them, and when they revisit them years later?
I want them to look at them and feel like it was just yesterday. Timeless and full of emotion.
What is one unexpected source of inspiration that consistently finds its way into your work?
Moments that aren’t planned. I often receive links to amazing Pinterest boards (and I do love a good Pinterest board), but it’s the unplanned moments, the soft, “no one noticed this” ones that always end up meaning the most.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a photographer whose work feels both thoughtful and deeply personal?
If you love a photographer’s work, talk to them. Have a proper, in-depth consultation. You can tell so much about how someone will work with you on your wedding day just by how they communicate beforehand. We’re one of the only vendors with you all day, so it’s important you genuinely like and trust us.
Discover more by visiting fleckandforestphotography.com and @fleckandforestphotography. Explore Fleck and Forest Photography on the Together Journal Online Directory.
