A Fairytale Austrian Wedding: Sophia Herring and Paul Henkel's Romantic Celebration on Lake Fuschl
Sophia Herring and Paul Henkel's enchanting wedding on Lake Fuschl in Austria was a beautiful fusion of personal history, family traditions, and breathtaking scenery. Their journey began unexpectedly in New York City, evolving from a casual acquaintance into a deep connection. The celebrations spanned several days, each meticulously planned to reflect their unique personalities and their shared love for European charm. From an intimate welcome gathering on the lake's serene shores to a heartfelt ceremony in a historic chapel, and culminating in a vibrant, traditional Austrian-inspired reception, every detail underscored the couple's commitment and their desire to create an unforgettable experience for their guests. This wedding was a testament to enduring love, the beauty of cultural heritage, and the joy of coming together in a spectacular setting.
Sophia and Paul’s love story unfolded gradually, beginning in 2018 at Paul's Casablanca, a bar in New York City. Despite being college juniors at different institutions, they felt an immediate connection, like old friends. This initial spark hinted at a deeper bond, which would soon blossom. The following summer, Paul invited Sophia to his family’s hotel, Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado, under the guise of a casual friends' trip. Unbeknownst to Sophia, his friends departed before her arrival, leaving just her, Paul, and his family in the remote location. Paul’s mother, Katrin, subtly played cupid, suggesting a cabin with separate bedrooms to avoid being too forward. Within three days, their connection was undeniable, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
In 2023, Paul, the visionary behind Palo Gallery, chose the stunning Cuixmala resort in Careyes, Mexico, to propose to Sophia, a journalist. This moment, however, was not without its challenges. Sophia had been grappling with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) for three years, and her condition flared up during their trip, forcing them to cancel their initial proposal plans. Sophia, disheartened, apologized for potentially ruining their special day. Paul’s response was a poignant testament to their love: he calmly reassured her, took her hands, and promised to reclaim their special moment. Later that evening, as Sophia felt better, they strolled along the beach at sunset. Paul’s words, “Love isn't about finding the perfect person, it's about seeing an imperfect person perfectly,” accompanied his proposal on bended knee, making the moment truly unforgettable.
Two years after their engagement, the couple exchanged vows in late June at the exquisite Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Salzburg, Austria. This location held special significance, with Sophia’s family residing in Bavaria and Paul’s family in Tyrol. The wedding was expertly orchestrated by Johnny Roxburgh and Emily Michalakis of Johnny Roxburgh Designs, who brought the couple's vision to life with meticulous attention to detail. The festivities commenced with an intimate rehearsal dinner, followed by a charming welcome party held on the shores of Lake Fuschl. Sophia graced the occasion in a beautiful Dior gown from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s 2025 cruise collection, inspired by Mary Queen of Scots, while Paul sported a custom-made cream linen double-breasted suit by his tailor, Matt Woodruff at J Mueser. Swans glided across the lake as traditional Austrian musicians serenaded guests from rowboats, creating an idyllic atmosphere. Following the lakeside celebration, guests moved indoors for dessert, where Roxburgh and Michalakis had transformed the space into a replica of Vienna’s historic Demel coffee house. Waiters offered an array of Austrian desserts on silver platters, alongside late-night delights such as pasta arrabbiata, croque monsieurs, and French fries.
The main ceremony took place on Saturday at the breathtaking 17th-century chapel of Maria Plain. Sophia walked down the aisle in a vintage 2011 Alexander McQueen gown, adorned with an antique Victorian pearl and diamond cross necklace, a cherished Valentine's Day gift from Paul. Paul complemented her elegance in a military green double-breasted suit, featuring antique silver buttons and cream piping, tailored by Salzburg-based Madl. Pater Petrus, their priest, officiated the ceremony, reading passages from Shakespeare as a 15-person orchestra performed hymns by Mozart and Schubert. Sophia shared her profound emotion from the experience, remarking on the striking lapis blue interior of Maria Plain, one of the region's most beautiful Baroque churches. This deep appreciation for churches stemmed from their shared hobby of planning cathedral itineraries during their European road trips, often spending hours immersed in the history and architecture with audio guides.
Following the ceremony, a delightful picnic lunch was set up behind the church. The setting was inspired by Wes Anderson’s aesthetic, featuring tents from Turin, Moroccan pillows, and traditional Bavarian picnic benches. Guests savored freshly baked pretzels, open-faced sandwiches, and slices of Esterhazy torte, all while being serenaded by Sophia’s father, the renowned jazz musician Vincent Herring. Sophia expressed how special it was to hear him perform on their big day. As evening approached, the couple hosted their own version of a 'Waldfeste,' a traditional summer festival from Tegernsee, Germany, which Sophia had enjoyed since childhood. Guests were encouraged to don their finest traditional Austrian-German attire, resulting in a charming display of dirndls and lederhosen, many sourced from eBay and Etsy. One friend, Joanna Masiyiwa, even designed a unique hand-beaded dirndl inspired by Ndebele mural art. Sophia’s own custom dirndl was crafted by Paul's cousin, Annina Pfuel of Annina Dirndl, using antique ribbons and fabric. During a dinner featuring spätzle and kaiserschmarrn, singer Jewel surprised everyone with a yodel performance, followed by Sophia’s family singing 'Irgenwo auf der Welt.' The night concluded with dancing at a Moroccan-themed nightclub built next door, a thoughtful nod to Paul’s Casablanca, where their journey began. Guests danced to DJ Youngr's set, taking breaks for treats from the shawarma bar. Months later, the couple continues to bask in the afterglow of their magical wedding weekend, reliving each cherished moment.