Style and substance: Mittieka and Jonathan’s modern wedding

Fine arts graduate Mittieka Bastian had the chance to put her design skills to work when partner Jonathan Manuel popped the question.

After a decade together, Jonathan, now 35, presented Mittieka, 33, with a loose diamond, allowing her to design the ring of her dreams and have it custom made. The former metals major, who once had her own small jewellery business, also made her future husband’s ring herself.

The Melbourne couple held their modern wedding on November 14, 2009. They wed at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Brighton before their reception at Flemington Racecourse.

“We knew that as long as the spirits were flowing and the music was pumping, everything would be perfect,” Mittieka says of the laid-back celebrations.

The bride stunned their 166 guests in a Pereeia couture gown, which perfectly fitted her brief for a dress with simple lines that was a little bit different from the norm. “They were able to deliver all my wishes and did so with great warmth, flair, finesse and professionalism,” she praises.

Mittieka says there is nothing she would change about the big day.

“Our wedding had a relaxed feel with a big emphasis on fun, and minimal formalities,” she says.

Photos courtesy of Field of Vision.

Jonathan and his groomsmen looked sharp in suits from Ferrari Formalwear and Bridal.

In keeping with the racecourse venue, Mittieka paired a bridal fascinator with her Pereeia gown.

The happy couple first met as teenagers and were partners for about a decade before Jonathan popped the question in an understated proposal at home.

“I love my wife’s fun-loving nature and easy going ways, she has a wicked sense of humor which makes for witty jokes and great conversation,” Jonathan says.