We were absolutely devastated to hear the shocking news on the weekend of the passing of a true icon…the irreplaceable Anthony Del Col. At Modern Wedding we have been blessed to have known Anthony for many years and have seen his career catapult to the point where he was poised to be the Preston Bailey of Australia, if not the world.
Anthony was on holidays in Mykonos and his accidental death has left the wedding industry in mourning. Past brides and future brides have also been sending us their outpourings of grief for a life taken way too soon. Anthony was only 33 years old and was preparing to launch his own business, Anthony Del Col Events. He had even sent out ‘save the dates’ for his launch party in October.
Why was Anthony so special? It’s really hard to explain as it is such an intangible thing but he had a beautiful soul and he touched everyone’s heart, even if you only came into contact with him briefly. He was charming, enthusiastic, passionate, creative, slightly eccentric and overwhelmingly energetic and positive…one of those rare and special people who you feel fantastic just being with. He was like a glass of French champagne…bubbly, effervescent, refined and fun! He always uplifted the people around him. He was an enormous ray of sunshine, no matter what was going on around him.
Anthony at Inlighten Photography’s 10th birthday party with Lyndall from Jean Fox (left) and Holly from Grand Pacific Group (right). Image courtesy Inlighten Photography.
Anthony was loved and respected by the entire wedding industry. Image courtesy Inlighten Photography.
Anthony was a ‘messenger of love’ and people were infected by his energy. He always had the solution…nothing was too much trouble. He appeared to perform miracles. Weddings and events can be incredibly stressful – whenever he sensed tension he would somehow alleviate the stress in the air by running around making sure everyone’s comfortable and smiling.
Anthony was so deeply encouraging to others – he wanted us all to embrace our dreams and he celebrated every success. He revelled in the happiness of others and didn’t have a jealous bone in his body. The more successful you were, the happier he was. None of this scarcity mentality – there’s plenty of good fortune for us all to share. Anthony believed in abundance.
Many of Anthony’s weddings featured in Luxury Weddings magazine including this one in the current magazine at Doltone House. Photography Justine Perl.
This wedding also in the current edition of Luxury Weddings magazine was beautifully styled by Anthony. Photography by Jerry Ghionis.
He was a strong family man and every wedding he planned he made it his business to get to know all the extended family, all of whom fell in love with him!
Anthony with actress Ada Nicodemou. Anthony styled her wedding in 2007. Image courtesy GM Photographics.
Left: Anthony was always full of energy! Right: Anthony with designer Steven Khalil. Images courtesy GM Photographics.
Anthony went above and beyond …and more beyond. He would say “we only do amazing”. He was a one-man dream team.
Our “angel on earth’ is now our “angel in heaven” and you can bet that heaven will now be an even more beautiful place with Anthony there to help with the styling!
Our heartfelt condolences go to his partner Noel and his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace, dear and precious friend,
Victoria xoxoxo
Anthony Del Col was a dear friend, colleague, partner in crime and my chief bridesmaid. I experienced his talents first hand as an ADC bride.
I can say without a doubt he was a fairy godmother to brides, there was not an issue, question or concern that could not be resolved without a wink, smile and wave of Anthony’s magical wand. The centre of the Wedding Industry’s universe, his contacts and relationships spread under his wide wings, there was NOTHING Anthony Del Col wouldn’t do for his brides.
Our angel on earth is up in the heavens looking down on us and I’m certain yelling on the top of his lungs ‘be amazing’. No one can or will ever replace that infectious, vivacious energy and love for this industry. RIP x
Wendy El-Khoury [Wedded Wonderland]
ANTHONY DEL COL was a talented and inspirational man that I have had the pleasure working along side in a number of weddings and through our working relationship have become friends… We often spoke about the industry and how he would often say to us that ‘the sky was the limit’… The respect that Anthony had within the wedding industry came through his hard work and dedication to every wedding that he was a part of. Anthony Del Col will be dearly missed.
Tony Tannous [Roll up in a Rolls]
Tomorrow we reflect on some of the amazing weddings that Anthony created in {Part 2} of our tribute to The Australian Wedding Industry’s Angel.