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Stories by Joshua Mikhaiel

Joel and Bec’s elopement at Thalia Haven

East coast, Tasmania

Joel and Bec at Thalia Haven

Arriving at Thalia Haven, I saw the water behind the stone house and knew we would not need to travel far for photographs. It was a beautiful setting for Joel and Bec’s intimate celebration.

Their handwritten vows brought plenty of tears, including mine. The small gathering made every gesture feel close and personal.

They had travelled from Newcastle in their van, the Gus Bus, with their young son. A first dance in a field and time together by the coast became part of a few days away with their nearest and dearest.

I later returned for Lisa and Kane’s elopement. Both stories show how differently a couple can make the same place their own.

For current planning advice, explore Australian elopement destinations and how to elope in Australia.

A wide view shows the rocky coastline and ocean at Thalia Haven, Tasmania, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two frames show the coastal view and the old stone building at Thalia Haven, Tasmania, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride sits outside the stone cottage at Thalia Haven, Tasmania, wearing a hat and checked shirt, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride sits on the grass outside the cottage and writes in a notebook, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A black-and-white view shows the bride getting ready beside the stone cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Friends gather inside the stone cottage as the bride gets ready, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride smiles as she holds a small item while getting ready beside the stone fireplace, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A woman in a hat and checked shirt sits outside the stone cottage overlooking the coast, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A person writes on the stone wall inside the old cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom sits by a cottage window in a checked shirt, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A shirtless man stands beside the old stone wall inside the cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom share a quiet moment at the coastal cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom leans against the old stone wall while getting ready at Thalia Haven, Tasmania, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A flat lay shows the groom’s shirt, watch, rings and other wedding-day details, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom adjusts his bow tie outdoors beside the stone cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
In black and white, the groom adjusts his bow tie beside the cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A close black-and-white view shows the groom fastening his shirt, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two frames show the groom’s father helping with his boutonniere and the bride preparing, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom pulls on a sock beside the old stone wall, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom pulls on his jacket outdoors in a black-and-white portrait, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom stands in the courtyard wearing his jacket and tie, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom adjusts his hat before the ceremony, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A split detail shows a watch and other personal items arranged on a wooden table, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The Tasmanian coast and calm blue water extend beyond the stone shoreline at Thalia Haven, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Low grasses and dark rocks frame a wide view of the sea at Thalia Haven, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride stands inside the cottage as a companion helps her with her dress, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A friend applies the bride’s makeup beside the cottage window, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride adjusts a bouquet of flowers beside the stone cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
An open doorway and rough stone wall frame the entrance to the Tasmanian cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride stands outside the cottage in her wedding dress, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride sits by the window as she finishes getting ready, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride writes in a notebook while seated in her wedding dress, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride embraces her partner in the cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A figure in a hat walks through the tall grass toward the sea, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A lone figure stands in the broad coastal field overlooking the water, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom stands outside the stone cottage in a hat and jacket, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride stands in silhouette in the open doorway, looking toward the coast, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride looks out through the open cottage doors toward the water, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride walks outside the stone cottage with her dress train trailing behind her, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two men embrace in the courtyard while the bride stands nearby, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom covers his face with one hand as the bride approaches across the courtyard, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple share a playful moment outside the stone cottage, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom covers his face with his hat as the bride watches from the field at Thalia Haven, Tasmania, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom stands alone in the grass, holding his hat as the couple take a moment outdoors, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride reaches for the groom’s hand in the open grassland, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom bends forward laughing as the bride stands behind him, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom share a playful moment as he bends beneath her raised hand, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom bends over laughing while the bride stands beside him in the field, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom raises his hat to his face as the bride laughs beside him, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two views show the quiet grassland and water around Thalia Haven, Tasmania, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom holds his hat while the bride reaches toward him in the tall grass, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride embraces the groom in the open grassland, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple kiss in the tall grass at Thalia Haven, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A split view shows the pale grassland and distant coastline around Thalia Haven, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride adjusts the groom’s hat as they stand close together, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two views show the quiet field and coastline at Thalia Haven, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple embrace in the open grassland beside the water, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride reaches up to the groom’s hat as he raises his hand playfully, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The groom raises his hat while the bride reaches toward him in the grass, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom face each other in the open meadow, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride holds her bouquet as the groom stands beside her in the grass, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple stand together in the open grassland beside the water, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk hand in hand through the grassy field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel looks toward Bec as she turns toward him in two black-and-white portraits. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel face one another in two quiet moments in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec leans toward Joel as they talk in the grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec holds a small card while Joel looks on. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand facing each other in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec reaches toward Joel as they stand together in the grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel share a quiet moment in the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand facing each other in the meadow. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel look together at a small item in their hands. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel share a moment together in the meadow. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two portraits show Bec and Joel holding hands in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel embrace in the grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel kiss in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk toward the camera through the meadow. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A wide coastal view shows the tide moving across the rocky shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk down toward the rocky shoreline in two moments. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk across the grass toward the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple walk with their guests outside a stone house beside the coast, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel carries Bec across the grass above the shoreline. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel carries Bec through the grass with her bouquet in hand. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec stands alone beside the water and rocks. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel greet family on the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel pose with family beside the shore in two photographs. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand with their guests on the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec holds a small child beside Joel on the shoreline. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand with a child and family on the beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk together across the rocky beach with a child. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A woman walks through shallow water beside the rocky shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and another woman walk together beside the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The group gathers for a black-and-white family portrait at the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel pose with an older guest in a black-and-white photograph. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel smile with a child between them on the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel share a moment with the child on the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand with guests and a child beside the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The group gathers on the beach in a wide black-and-white portrait. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel appear with a child in two black-and-white portraits. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel gather with two guests and a child on the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
An older guest and a child stand with Bec and Joel near the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec stands with a child and an older guest beside the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
An older guest bends to greet a child on the beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel play with a child beside the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and an older guest hold hands on the rocky shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel gather with guests and a child beside the water in a black-and-white photograph. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand with a guest and child among the rocks. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom stand together with an older guest on the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Two moments show Bec and Joel with guests beside the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A guest holds the child as Bec and Joel stand beside the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A woman lifts the child as guests watch from the shoreline. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand with guests in a family gathering on the rocks. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
An old stone cottage stands above the coastal grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A guest lifts a bouquet above the group on the shoreline. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel play with a child while a guest raises the bouquet. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk together through the coastal grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple walk past a stone cottage beside the sea. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk together along the bluff above the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk across the grass toward the coastal cottage. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple walk hand in hand through the meadow in a black-and-white photograph. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk across the rocky shoreline toward the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple stand together on the rocks beside the sea. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel sit together among the coastal rocks. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel sit on the rocks with their dog between them. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel smile together in a close portrait beside the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple sit together with their bouquet resting across their laps. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk together in two portraits along the coastal path. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand together on a grassy track near the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel carries Bec across the grass beside the coastline. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk away together through a wooded path. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel kiss beside the water. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel embrace on the rocky beach. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel pose together with a child on the shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A guest holds the child while the couple stand nearby. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk along the coast with their guests. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel kiss on a wooded path. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel hold a small object between them in the woods. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom hold hands as smoke rises from a handheld flare. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel holds a smoke bomb while Bec lifts the edge of her coat. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel are partly obscured as smoke spreads around them. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Dense smoke surrounds Bec and Joel in the forest. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel embrace in the drifting smoke. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple kiss in the smoke in a black-and-white photograph. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand close together as smoke drifts past. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel leans toward Bec as they stand amid the smoke. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel embrace in a cloud of smoke in a black-and-white portrait. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The bride and groom embrace in a cloud of smoke among the trees. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel smile together as smoke moves through the trees. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk together through the woodland in a two-photo collage. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple run together along a path through the trees. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple embrace beneath the warm light between the trees. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel embrace as sunlight shines through the forest. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand together beneath the trees in the golden light. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A horse stands in the field beneath the pink evening sky. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple walk toward the horses in the dusky field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec reaches toward a horse while Joel stands nearby. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple stand between two horses at dusk. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple and horses appear in silhouette beneath a cloudy sunset. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel stand together among the horses in the evening field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A horse lowers its head to graze beside the couple. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk hand in hand through the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel dance together in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple reach toward one another in the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel dance together beneath the evening sky. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple turn and play together in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel spin together in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple dance and turn together in the grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel move together through the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple laugh and embrace in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel dance together beneath the cloudy sky. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple twirl together in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel dance together in the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple turn toward one another as they dance. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel dance together in the open field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel playfully embrace in the grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel laugh and turn together in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel smile as they dance together. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Joel lifts Bec as they play together in the field. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel run hand in hand through the tall grass. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple walk away together through the field beneath the cloudy sky. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel walk across the field at dusk. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A coastal house glows on the ridge after dark. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel sit beside a small fire among the rocks. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A small fire burns among the rocks after dark. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
Bec and Joel sit together beside the fire on the rocky shore. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A couple sit beside a campfire outside a tent at night, photographed by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
The couple sit by the campfire under the night sky. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.
A fire burns on the rocky shoreline at night. Photograph by documentary wedding photographer Joshua Mikhaiel.

Nathan Kaso also made a beautiful film of the day.

Joel and Bec’s wedding team

  • Dress: Lover
  • Hair: Jess Manning Hair
  • Celebrant: Kim Oakhill
  • Florals: Film & Foliage
  • Make-up: Olivia Jones Makeup Artist
  • Silk jacket: Songbird Silk

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Joshua Mikhaiel