–by Nicole Muj and Dr. Laura Wilhelm
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/13/18 – On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 Rafael de Marchena-Huyke and Erik Putzbach Bori were married at an exclusive reception held at their stunning mansion in Hancock Park, California. The elegant affair marked the beginning of a new life together for the Colombian celebrity hair stylist/interior designer and the Spanish television star/fashion expert.
Approximately 80 guests joined the grooms at the afternoon celebration. The festivities began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
The official ceremony began with “La Vie En Rose” sung by Pamela Clay as the happy couple descended the stairs. This was followed by “Parlami d’amore Mariù” performed by baritone Juan Carlos Heredia from the LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program accompanied by Milena Gligić.
After the ceremony, Mr. Heredia performed “Amor,Vida de mi Vida.” Pianist Dan Manuel provided additional entertainment throughout the day.
Catholic priest Father Geoff Farrow officiated the religious ceremony. Rafael and Erik exchanged matching rings that were designed by Rafael himself and custom made by Kazanjian Brothers.
Following the ceremony, a wonderful and varied buffet lunch was served in the gallery of the house. Floral arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, and orchids designed by Rafael graced the buffet table as well as several tables in the garden.
The ceremony was witnessed by Erik’s father from Spain, Mr. Martin Putzbach, and Rafael’s relatives from Colombia, Mr. and Mrs. Alvaro Cepeda and their daughter Catalina, who served as the ring bearer.
Among the many guests were Mrs. Evelia Gonzalez Porto, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Mr. and Mrs. David Niemetz, Maralou Gray, Mery Gray, Mr. Nicolas Emiliani, Scotty Bowers, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kazanjian, Mr.and Dr. Michela Gelber, Mr.and Mrs. Lars Roos, Dr. James Gibbons, Mrs. Jan Katz, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Landay, Dr. Carol Wertheim, Mrs. Marilyn Oliver, and Miss Marianne Garner, among many others.
Born in Barranquila, Colombia, Rafael de Marchena-Huyke is one of the most recognized names in Beverly Hills in the areas of hair styling, makeup artistry, and interior design. As a cosmetologist, he worked for Beaux Arts Salon, I Magnin, Bonwit Teller, Saks Fifth Avenue and Aida Gray in Beverly Hills. His clientele included international royalty and prominent members of the Beverly Hills social set as well as celebrities such as Betsy Drake, Dorothy McGuire, Claudia Cardinale, Simone Signoret, Maria Berenson, and Fifi D’Orsay.
Rafael has designed hair for the fashion shows of some of the world’s most famous couturiers, including Madame Grés, Manuel Pertegaz, Norell, Gustave Tassel, James Galanos, Oscar de la Renta, and Werley. He has also decorated and remodeled numerous apartments and residences in Los Angeles and Montecito, California.
An avid supporter of the arts in Los Angeles, Rafael is a lifelong member of the Founders of the Music Center, Opera League of Los Angeles, LA Opera, Gloria Kaufman Dance at the Music Center, and Opera Associates of Los Angeles. He currently serves on the board of Opera Associates and as a Trustee of the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society.
Previously he served as Vice President of the Los Angeles – Bombay Sister City Committee. Rafael also supports Aids Project LA and the West Hollywood Library. He has received commendations from the City of Los Angels and Corporation Ayudemos, a non-profit organization that builds homes for the very poor in his native Colombia.
Erik Putzbach Bori was born in Barcelona, Spain and is the middle child of Martin Putzbach and Maite Bori. While he studied international trade and business, he followed his mother’s path to pursue a career in fashion as a model, eventually opening up a fashion boutique in Barcelona. During a trip to Madrid Fashion Week he was discovered by a television producer who cast him the Spanish version of QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY, making him a well-known TV personality virtually overnight.
Eric then appeared on other celebrity reality programs and was the expert fashion critic on the Spanish version of THE FASHION POLICE. He has been honored with the “Dedal de Oro” (Golden Thimble) and been named Ambassador of Luxury in Catalonia for his professional work.
Photo Credit: Amanda McHugh
