Before you invite me to be part of your wedding team I should probably introduce myself.
Hello, my name is Ali.
I’m a mum, partner, avid coffee drinker, second hand bargain hunter, science teacher, house renovation reality tv watcher (even though I have zero interest in doing any renovations to my house) and a former research scientist. I’m also a wedding photographer!
When you look at my photos here and over on my instagram I really hope you can feel the love, joy and excitement in them. Because weddings are so much more than just perfectly curated portraits - your day will also be filled with raw, heartfelt moments.
My favourite photos are the candid ones—the way your partner looks at you during the vows, the subtle hand squeeze during the speeches, the pure, unfiltered joy as you celebrate with your favourite people. And don’t worry, you will also get some beautiful portraits too.
If you choose me as your wedding photographer that’s what fills your gallery: genuine moments that reflect the heart of your day.
Ali xx
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I’m based in the beautiful Macedon Ranges Victoria, and I love to travel all around this beautiful state and even venture interstate too.
HOW MANY HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO WE NEED?
The best way to determine how many hours you will need is to chat with you about your plans for your day. During our initial chat I will give a rough estimate of how many hours I think you will need.
Most couples do find that 8 hours of coverage is the sweet spot for their day, so it is likely you might too.
HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE?
To secure your wedding date, a 30% non-refundable booking fee and a signed contract are required.
Please be aware that your date is not reserved when you enquire, that only happens once the booking fee has been received.
DO WE NEED A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
I may recommend adding a second photographer to your coverage if I think it would be beneficial to your day. Some of the situations that might lead me to suggest a second photographer is if you're planning an extensive guest list (120+), have a large bridal party, or if you and your partner are preparing at two locations far apart.
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CONTENT CREATION ADD ON?
I've partnered with a wonderful content creation team who will capture all the important and in-between moments throughout your wedding day on an iPhone ready to be uploaded to socials. This add of starts at $800 for 5 hours.
Hiring a content creator through your photographer means they will work in harmony and not compromise your photography or videography coverage. Another benefit to booking content creation through me is that I will do the bulk of the communication with the content creation team (things like timelines, addresses etc) which means one less vendor that you need to manage.
PLEASE NOTE: content creation can only be added onto a photography package, it can not be booked separately.
DO WE NEED TO ADD CONTENT CREATION/ A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER/ AN ALBUM WHEN WE BOOK?
These optional extras can be added at any point leading up to your wedding - content creation and second photographer is subject to availability, so the soon you decide the more likely they will be to available.
Albums can be added at any time, you can even purchase them after your wedding.
DO YOU RECOMMEND HAVING A WEDDING PLANNER?
If your wedding budget allows for a planner or an on the day coordinator I highly recommend having one, particularly for private property weddings.
WE LOVE YOUR ALBUMS ALI, BUT YOU WE HAD A DIFFERENT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER. CAN YOU STILL MAKE OUR ALBUM?
I would love to create a wedding album for you! After you have purchased your album through my online store I will need you to send me the high resolution copies of your photos and then we can get started creating your beautiful heirloom.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO THE DAY?
I’m a pretty uncomplicated person and believe that timeless photography really is as simple as capturing your day as candidly and authentically as possible. I want you to look back on your photos and think “How did Ali even get that photo? I don’t even remember seeing her then”. On the day, for the most part, I’m just going to let things unfold naturally and not force anything!
HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE RECEIVE?
You will receive approximately 400+ carefully edited photos, depending on your chosen coverage. For intimate weddings or elopements you will receive 150+ and for engagement shoots it’s approximately 100.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
In the days following your wedding, you will receive your sneak peek photos. Eight weeks later, your complete wedding gallery will be delivered. Your online gallery provides the convenience of downloading all images in both print and web resolution. As part of your package, you'll enjoy 12 months of cloud storage to securely preserve your wedding images. Your gallery is also private and password protected for your peace of mind.
WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?
Taking the photos is only half of the job that I do. Editing your photos is of equal importance and I dedicate an average of 20+ hours to professionally edit all your images, ensuring each one reaches a high quality standard before delivery. This meticulous process contributes to the slight duration of the delivery timeline.
CAN I PRINT MY PHOTOS?
Photos truly come to life when printed, and I encourage you to do so. Order prints conveniently through your personalised online gallery or a reputable print shop. Opt for good ink on high-quality paper for lasting results.
DO YOU HAVE ANY VENDORS YOU RECOMMEND?
I have worked with many incredible vendors and I have put together a Recommended Vendor list that couples receive once they book in my services to help them curate an amazing wedding team. If you have a specific vendor that you need a recommendation for feel free to send me a DM on insta.
WE DON’T FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
NEITHER DO I! I completely understand why you might not be super keen on having your photos taken, but you can relax - I’ve got you! I’m not about having a zillion portraits on the day.
Through out the day (where appropriate) I’ll do some very light directing to help you feel relaxed, but I won't pose you.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH LGBTQIA+ WEDDINGS?
Absolutely YES! No matter how you identify or define your relationship, I’m always honoured to be a part of a couple’s wedding day. Love is love.
STEP 1: Fill in my enquiry form (it takes about 5 minutes).
STEP 2: After reading through your enquiry (+ doing a little happy dance) I’ll email through the packages that are best suited to your day. I typically reply within a few hours, 48 hours max.
STEP 3: Either book in a chat with me (virtually or IRL - either way coffee will be involved) or skip the chat and book me as your wedding photographer!
STEP 4: Sit back, relax + give yourself a high five because you can now cross booking a wedding photographer off your wedding to-do list.
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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