Colombian Philanthropist and Longtime Beverly Hills Celebrity Hair Stylist Rafael de Marchena-Huyke
and Spanish TV personality and Fashion Expert Erik Putzbach Bori Tie the Knot
Magazine, Entertainment , The Immigrant Experience
Hollywood, CA – January 10, 2018 – Rafael de Marchena-Huyke and Erik Putzbach Bori were married at an exclusive reception at their stunning mansion in Hancock Park, California on Saturday, January 6.
The elegant affair marked the beginning of a new life together for the Colombian philanthropist and celebrity hair stylist and interior designer with the Spanish-born television star and fashion expert.
Approximately 80 guests joined in the afternoon celebration of their special day. 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, 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.
The Catholic priest Father Geoff Farrow officiated the religious ceremony. Rafael and Erik exchanged stunning 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. The flower arrangements of hydrangeas, roses and orchids, designed by Rafael, graced the buffet table, as well as the several tables in the garden.
Rafael’s relatives from Colombia, Mr. and Mrs. Alvaro Cepeda and their daughter Catalina, who served as the ring bearer, as well as Erik’s father Mr. Martin Putzbach from Spain, were witnesses at the ceremony.
Among the many guests were Mrs. Evelia Gonzalez Porto from Cartagena, Colombia, 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 with clientele that included international royalty, the Beverly Hills social set, as well as celebrities Betsy Drake, Dorothy McGuire, Claudia Cardinale, Simone Signoret, Maria Berenson, Fifi D’Orsay, to name a few. He has designed hair for the fashion shows of the world’s most famous couturiers, including Madame Grés, Manuel Pertegaz, Norell, Gustave Tassel, James Galanos, Oscar de la Renta and Werley.Has 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. He previously served as Vice President of the Los Angeles – Bombay Sister City Committee.
He also supports the West Hollywood Library and Aids Project LA, and is the recipient of a salutation from the City of Los Angeles that was presented to him by the late John Ferraro, the former President of the Los Angeles City Council.
Has received a salutation from Corporation Ayudemos, a non-profit organization that builds homes for the very poor in Barranquila, Colombia.
Erik Putzbach Bori was born in Barcelona, Spain and is the middle son of Martín Putzbach and Maite Bori. While he studied international trade and business, he followed the path of his mother to pursue a career in fashion as a model, and eventually opened up a fashion boutique in Barcelona. During a trip to Madrid Fashion Week, he was discovered by a television producer who cast him in the Spanish version of “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy,” making him a well-known TV personality virtually overnight.
He then appeared in other celebrity reality programs and was the expert fashion critic on the Spanish version of “The Fashion Police.” He also serves on the jury and as a presenter for such prestigious beauty pageants as Miss Spain.
He has been honored with the “Dedal de Oro” (Golden Thimble), and has been named Ambassador of Luxury in Catalonia for his professional work.
Photo Credit: Amanda McHugh