First and foremost, I have always believed that it’s the little moments that matter most.
The way your eyes glance across the room. The pauses between words. The bursts of laughter that happen when no one’s watching. It’s in those in-between frames where the real story lives.
I’m Ali and I am so honoured to welcome you to Smith + Archer.
Beyond the lens, I am a mother to a home full of love and a life filled with its fair share of beautiful chaos. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for connection and the art of observation. Coupled with a background in teaching and scientific research, I’ve honed an eye for light, composition and those unguarded gestures that often go unnoticed.
These are the moments I live for - the ones I hold closest.
My professional title may be a photographer, but I like to think of myself as more than that. I’m here as your collaborator, your sounding board. My role is to create space where you feel seen. Heard. Completely understood.
Because this isn’t just about stills and motion - it’s about the experience. Nothing matters more to me than the journey we take together. I am just as invested in your day as you are.
On your wedding day, my hope is that you are so immersed in the joy of it all that the memories feel effortless - and when you first look back at your gallery, each frame feels as honest and beautiful as the moment itself.
After all, what we’re capturing is simple: the moments that reflect the heart of your wedding. Nothing more, nothing less.
As the creative director and principal photographer, I have partnered with experienced videographers and content creators, all of us completely dedicated to making your day what it should be. Effortless. Candid. Beautiful. Just as you are.
Featured in Ivory Tribe, Hello May, Together Journal & more.
For more information, please enquire here.
2025 Wedding collections start from $3800
Elopements start from $2200
Please enquire to access my full investment guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every love story is distinct - beautifully its own.
We’ve gathered answers to the questions most often asked by our couples to help guide you through the journey ahead. From securing your date to what to expect on the day itself, our process is designed to feel personal and inspired - every step of the way.
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WHERE ARE YOU BASED - AND DO YOU TRAVEL?
I call the beautiful Macedon Ranges, Victoria home, but our work often takes us far and wide. We’re always delighted to travel across the state - and interstate - for celebrations that capture our hearts. Wherever your love story unfolds, we would be honoured to be there.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MANY HOURS OF COVERAGE WE WILL NEED?
We will begin by talking through your vision, your timeline and the moments you most want captured. From there, we’ll recommend a coverage window that best suits your day. Most couples find that eight hours offers the perfect balance - long enough to tell your story in full, without feeling rushed.
WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING PROCESS AND HOW DO WE LOCK IN OUR DATE?
To secure your wedding date, a 30% non-refundable booking fee and a signed contract are required.
Please note, your date isn’t officially reserved until both have been received.
SHOULD WE INCLUDE A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
In some cases, we’ll recommend adding a second photographer to ensure every angle of your day is beautifully covered. This is especially valuable for larger weddings (120+ guests), when wedding parties are getting ready separately, or if your venue layout calls for more coverage.
DO YOU OFFER CONTENT CREATION AND VIDEOGRAPHY AS AN ADD-ON?
Yes! We’ve partnered with a dedicated team of content creators and videographers - each bringing their own lens to the art of storytelling. Together, they capture your day as it unfolds in all its layers.
Our videographers craft something deeper. A cinematic retelling of your day, beautifully edited and designed to be felt as much as it’s seen. Collections begin at $2,200 for five hours.
Our content creators focus on the fleeting, candid moments - filmed on iPhone and ready for sharing. Collections begin at $1000 for five hours.
By booking through Smith + Archer, you’ll enjoy seamless coordination. Our team handles every logistical detail - from timelines and addresses to communication - ensuring your photography, content creation and videography flow in perfect harmony.
Please note: Content creation and videography can only be added to an existing photography collection and cannot be booked separately.
CAN WE ADD EXTRAS (ALBUMS, CONTENT CREATION, VIDEOGRAPHY, EXTRA HOURS) ONCE OUR DATE IS SECURED?
Absolutely. Albums can be added at any stage - before or after your wedding. Content creation, videography and second photographers are subject to availability, so the earlier you decide, the better.
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE AND APPROACH ON THE DAY?
Our style is intentional yet unobtrusive. We believe timeless imagery comes from allowing moments to unfold naturally - those fleeting glances and subtle gestures. We want you to look back and think, “How did they even get that shot?”
While we’ll offer gentle direction where needed, our focus remains on authenticity - letting your connection take centre stage.
WE ARE NOT COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA - CAN YOU HELP WITH THAT?
You’re in good company. Most couples feel that way at first. Our approach is relaxed, conversational and designed to help you forget the camera is even there. We’ll offer light guidance when needed, but never anything overly posed - just genuine, effortless moments that feel like you.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE RECEIVE - AND WHEN?
For a full wedding day, you can expect around 5400+ fully edited images (fewer for intimate weddings or smaller celebrations).
A sneak peek gallery will be delivered within a few days of your wedding, followed by your full gallery approximately eight weeks later. All galleries include 12 months of secure cloud storage and a private, password-protected link to share with loved ones.
WHY DOES IT TAKE TIME TO RECEIVE OUR FINAL GALLERY?
Capturing your wedding is only half the artistry. Each image is individually edited with care - a process that takes an average of 20+ hours per wedding. This ensures every photograph meets our standard of quality and storytelling before it’s delivered to you.
DO YOU RETOUCH OR ALTER IMAGES?
Every image in your final gallery is hand edited by Ali in the Smith + Archer signature style. After thoughtfully culling the collection, each photograph is individually adjusted to ensure the tones, textures and light all flow seamlessly together. You will also receive a carefully balanced mix of colour and black and white imagery.
Light retouching is included, such as the removal of minor distractions or temporary blemishes. However, we don’t alter bodies or apply extensive digital enhancements such as skin smoothing or reshaping.
Our philosophy is simple. To preserve honesty in every frame. Your images are a reflection of how you truly felt, in that moment.
CAN WE PRINT OUR PHOTOS OURSELVES?
Absolutely. We encourage you to print your images - your story deserves to be seen. Felt. Remembered.
You can order professional-grade prints directly through your online gallery, or select a trusted print lab of your own. For longevity, we recommend printing with archival-quality inks and fine art paper.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE FAMILY PHOTO LISTS AND GROUP SHOTS?
We know how important these moments are. In the lead up to your day, we’ll ask for a list of key groupings so nothing is missed. On the day itself, we move through these with efficiency and direction.
We do recommend keeping your list to immediate family and those most important to you. This helps ensure you’re not pulled away from the celebration for too long - allowing more time to be present with your guests and for us to capture the natural, candid moments that matter most.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING DUE TO ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY?
In the unlikely event that we’re unable to photograph your wedding, we have a trusted network of professional photographers with a similar style who can step in. You’ll be kept fully informed throughout and we’ll handle all arrangements to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
DO YOU HELP WITH OUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE?
Yes, absolutely. Once your booking is confirmed, we will help refine your photography timeline to make sure there’s ample time for portraits, travel and all the moments you’ve envisioned - without ever feeling rushed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER CHANGES?
We embrace whatever the day brings - rain, shine & everything in between. Some of the most breathtaking images are born from unexpected light and atmosphere. We’ll adapt our approach seamlessly, scouting the best locations and adjusting our timing where needed. If conditions become truly unworkable, we’ll collaborate with you to create an alternate plan that still feels true to the day.
DO YOU HAVE VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS?
A great team is the foundation of a beautiful celebration. We’ve been fortunate to work alongside many talented vendors, and upon booking, our couples receive a curated Recommended Vendor List. If you’re looking for something specific, we’re always happy to share a personal recommendation - just reach out.
DO YOU RECOMMEND HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR?
If your budget allows, we highly recommend it - especially for private property weddings. A planner or on-the-day coordinator ensures your day runs seamlessly, allowing you (and us) to focus on what truly matters: capturing the joy as it unfolds.
WE LOVE YOUR ALBUMS, BUT WE HAD A DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPHER. CAN YOU STILL CREATE OURS?
Of course. We would be honoured to create your wedding album. Once your album is purchased through our online store, simply send us your high-resolution images and we’ll begin crafting your bespoke heirloom.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH LGBTQIA+ WEDDINGS?
Absolutely, yes! No matter how you identify or define your relationship, we’re always honoured to be part of a couple’s wedding day. Love is love - and every story deserves to be celebrated.
1 / WHERE IT BEGINS
Every great love story starts somewhere - and this is ours.
It begins with a simple enquiry - just a few moments that allow us to understand the heart of your celebration. Your vision. Your style. The moments you’ll want to remember forever.
2 / CURATED COLLECTIONS
Once your enquiry arrives, we’ll take the time to thoughtfully curate the collections that best reflect your day. Within hours - and never more than 48 - you’ll receive a personalised offering, a tailored reflection of how your story could unfold through our lens.
3 / CONNECTION
From there, we can meet - whether virtually or over coffee - to talk about your plans, your people, and what matters most to you. This is where we discover if we’re the perfect creative match. And if you already know in your heart that we’re meant to capture your day, you’re welcome to move straight to securing your date.
4 / CELEBRATION
Once your booking is confirmed, you can exhale. The search is over - your photographer is locked in. Pour a glass of something beautiful, take a moment to soak it all in and start dreaming about the timeless images we’ll create together - a collection of memories that will live and breathe long after the day itself. The Smith + Archer way.
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You will not regret working with Ali from Smith + Archer!
From the minute we met her we were pretty hooked on her infectious, positive energy, and we were honestly pretty quick to lock her in for our smaller, intimate wedding in country Victoria. She is a wealth of knowledge in terms of laying out the timeline of your day, knowing just how many family portraits you need, and keeping you calm and confident all throughout the process. We COULD NOT have been happier with the photos from our day!
Ally + Waldo
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Ali, I can't express how much I fucking love your amazing work!
These photos are unbelievable. Thank you for capturing our day so perfectly. Thank you for not only being my photographer but helping me plan our wedding day over coffee dates and breakfast. THANK YOU!
Daisy + Sam
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Ali, what can I say, you are absolutely amazing!
Our photos you captured for us are out of this world stunning. Not only were you the most friendly, kind and creative photographer on our big day, you were a great support and helper through everything, from helping us all get ready, being my organiser, and the list goes on, so thank you so much for all your kindness and support to both Ash and I!
Shannyn + Ash
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Ali was everything and more that we wanted in our wedding photographer!
From the moment I started talking to Ali I knew we had found the person for us. Ali made my husband and I feel so comfortable on the day, she went over and above to help with talking to our other suppliers and she was FUN. Ali felt like another friend at our wedding with us and it felt so special. Also, she have us HEAPS of other tips along the way, things I would never have thought of. We couldn't recommended Ali highly enough.
Kristy + Brock
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Ali was the perfect balance of professional and relaxed.
She made our wedding portrait session long enough for beautiful photos but short enough that we had time to enjoy the party! Our photos were incredible and I couldn’t recommend her more. I especially loved that I received a handful of edited pictures only a few days after, which meant that I still had some to share while waiting for the full count.
Grace + Daniel
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Her bubbly and relaxed personality was the perfect fit for our wedding style.
We had such a great experience with Ali! Being a local to the Macedon Rangers area, Ali was already familiar with our venue and surrounding photo locations. It felt very natural to work with Ali. She directed us when needed and helped us move through the shoots quickly but captured our day so perfectly and candidly. Ali kindly provided us with a handful of edited photos on the day and we could not have been happier with the them! I cannot recommend Ali highly enough to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!
Nicole + Jared
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From the moment we met Ali, we knew she was ‘the one’.
Without Ali, there is no way that our wedding would’ve run so smoothly and been so memorable. Not only did she produce the best photos we could’ve wished for, she went over and above helping us plan timings, liaising with other vendors and a whole lot more! From the moment we met Ali, we knew she was ‘the one.’ Her warm, friendly, & professional nature was awesome, and we knew we were in great hands! She helped us map out our day, and used her experience to guide us through things we would never have otherwise thought of… Thanks so much Ali!
Laura + Craig
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Ali captured how happy we were, the overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude for one another.
She was always happy to give us ideas and tips from wedding dresses and venue styling, to invitation wording and how to tell those family members to give us a little bit of space... And our photos - I’ve never felt so beautiful in my life. She captured how happy we were, the overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude for one another. I am so proud of the photos and still look through them finding new favourites seeing little details I didn’t notice the first time! I truly gained so much self worth and confidence after being photographed by Ali, and it just made having the best day ever, even better.
Chloe + Nick