From lens to linen, Ana Galloway brings her creative eye to a new chapter with ROAM Events.
After more than a decade of capturing love stories as one of New Zealand’s most sought-after wedding photographers, Ana Galloway is turning her lens towards something new: elevating the way events are styled and experienced. With the launch of ROAM Events, Ana is setting a new standard for premium event hire and styling in the Nelson and Marlborough regions—fusing her editorial sensibility with a deep understanding of what makes an event not only look beautiful but feel meaningful. This new venture works seamlessly with her photography services.
Born from years of behind-the-scenes insight into weddings across Aotearoa, ROAM is Ana’s answer to a noticeable gap in the South Island’s event landscape. Her carefully curated “capsule collection” of timeless, versatile hire pieces brings a designer’s eye and photographer’s instinct to everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings and brand launches. At the heart of it all? A desire to create immersive, soul-filled spaces where every detail feels intentional.
More than just a hire company, ROAM is about creative collaboration, considered design, and a bold vision for what’s possible when aesthetics meet emotion. As Ana puts it, “I want people to walk into a space and feel something.” And with ROAM, they will.
You’ve been a celebrated wedding photographer for years—what inspired you to shift into the world of event hire and styling with ROAM Events?
After years of capturing beautifully styled weddings across Aotearoa and beyond, I saw a clear gap in the Nelson and Marlborough regions for premium hire items and elevated styling services. I wanted to bring the same level of refinement and creativity I admired in top-tier events to this region—ROAM is the natural extension of my love for aesthetics, storytelling, and intentional design. Throughout the process of working with my photography clients, I often found myself seeking more information around the vision for their event, which vendors they’ll be working with and the fashion and design elements they’ll be incorporating in their celebration to make it uniquely theirs. I’m sure many wedding photographers will resonate, we tend to morph into a makeshift wedding planner or stylist, recommending chairs, glassware, floral design, and the list goes on. If the couple isn’t lucky enough to have a dedicated planner or stylist, we’re the ones with the ‘insider knowledge’ and I’ve come to realise that I love that part of my job.
ROAM’s ethos is all about curation and elevation—how would you describe the signature style or feeling you want people to experience when they walk into a ROAM-styled event?
I want guests to walk into our curated spaces and feel something—warmth, beauty, and a sense that every detail has been considered. It’s about creating immersive, elevated environments that feel effortless yet unforgettable. Think modern romance with soul.
What was the process like when selecting your collection of timeless pieces? Did you have a particular couple, style, or vibe in mind?
Every piece in our range has been chosen with purpose – with a limited budget for our first shipment, we had to be very selective, I call it our capsule collection. All pieces can be styled together or separately, and with the use of bold fabrics and contemporary florals, each look can be given a unique direction. As I was curating the range, I envisioned stylish couples, forward-thinking brands, and those who appreciate good design. The collection had to be versatile enough to suit both weddings and corporate events, yet curated thoughtfully to feel cohesive, elevated, and timeless. I’ve always had an affinity for mid-century-modern design, and you’ll be able to see that throughout the collection.
How has your background in photography influenced the way you design and style events now through ROAM?
As a photographer, I’ve spent years observing the way details come together in a frame. That perspective taught me how crucial styling is to the overall feel and flow of an event. I’ve never been shy to move a picture frame from the wall that had the wrong colours in it, or suggest moving the cake table to a better backdrop if needed, moving speakers from view, repurposing florals from ceremony to reception to create a cohesive gallery of images and so forth. Now, through ROAM, my team and I will apply that same eye for composition, texture, colour and light to bring spaces to life in real time—not just behind the lens. Our team will be taught the importance of each of these elements when styling any space.
Nelson and Marlborough locals have already shown such excitement and support—why was it important for you to launch ROAM there, and how do you see it shaping the local wedding and events scene?
At the end of last season, after photographing weddings around New Zealand and seeing a clear difference between the calibre of weddings I was shooting around the country compared to those I was shooting in Nelson, where I live, I asked myself, “What’s holding people back from creating a high level event in this region?” Many of the clients I was working with in Nelson were hiring all their decor, tableware and furniture from Christchurch or Queenstown and paying a pretty penny for delivery. The Top of the South has so much untapped potential when it comes to high-end events. I want to provide locals with options and a level of styling and hire that was previously only available by bringing everything in from out of town. ROAM is here to elevate what’s possible locally—and celebrate the magic that’s already here.
Can you share what types of events ROAM is most excited to work on—weddings, corporate events, intimate gatherings—and how your offerings cater to each?
We’re excited by all of these—intimate elopements, large-scale weddings, brand launches, and styled dinners. Our collection is designed to be flexible yet statement-making, so it can scale and adapt to suit each event while maintaining a cohesive, elevated aesthetic.
What sets ROAM apart from other event hire or styling services currently available?
ROAM is driven by a creative vision with an editorial edge. We’re not just a hire company—we’re creatives with experience in making the most out of a space. Our offering goes beyond tables and chairs; it’s about creating a feeling, an experience. We’re also intentionally focused on service, with a streamlined, detail-focused approach that ensures our clients feel supported from first enquiry to pack down.
Launching a new business is no small feat—what has been the most rewarding or surprising moment in the journey so far?
Honestly, the overwhelming support from other creatives and the community has been incredible. It’s a reminder that people are craving something fresh and elevated in this space—and it’s been rewarding to step into that gap with confidence and purpose.
Collaboration seems to be a big part of ROAM’s DNA. How do you approach working alongside other creatives like florists, planners and photographers to bring a shared vision to life?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. In my photography job, I thrive on working alongside talented creatives who share a similar obsession with detail. With ROAM, whether it’s aligning colour palettes with florists or designing custom backdrops with a local woodworker, I believe the best outcomes happen when we co-create with intention and trust.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from ROAM in the coming months—any dream projects, new pieces, or creative directions you’re excited to explore?
We’re just getting started. Our shipment arrives in Nelson by August, then we’ll be unpacking all the items, planning a series of styled shoot collaborations, and rolling out full-service hire and styling for our clients. We’ve also got our eye on a few dream venues and locations we can’t wait to bring to life.
For more information, visit roamevents.co.nz or @roameventsnz and anagalloway.co.nz or @anagalloway.
