Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Rachel Urquhart and Cole Hopkins held an intimate waterside celebration in their adopted — and beloved — hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.

Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

The lush bridal bouquet by Roadside Blooms.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

When the pandemic put an end to this couple’s plans for a wedding in Tulum, “We had no choice but to reschedule,” says Rachel. As the senior sales manager for hospitality group Patrick Properties, she was able to make a seamless transition to one of the company’s star waterside venues. The thinking: “An elevated, fun outdoor dinner party” that would take advantage of locale’s stellar sunsets. “It was the beginning of October,” Rachel says, “the weather was perfect so we were able to have everything outside. Dinner was planned for the golden hour, amid candles and café lights. “A memorable, magical day,” say the couple.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Says Rachel: "Getting married where I work (Patrick Properties Hospitality Group) was a huge help. My company provided a discount and other industry partners I've been working with these past seven years were generous as well. Thank you, friendors!"

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

"We were only 15 people, but we were so thankful we were all able to celebrate together safely," Rachel says.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Let there be light: Tables were set with votives and taper candles beneath crisscrossing strands of twinkling café lights.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

The couple’s Boston terrier, Cholula (named after their favorite hot sauce), makes an appearance at the rehearsal dinner.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Says Rachel: "We selected brass and copper candle holders, candles that echoed the floral colors, autumnal-colored linens and amber water goblets."

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Magic hour: "One of the homes we renovated together and currently live in is just down the street from the wedding venue. We love to visit there with our dog to watch the sunset," Rachel says.

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Golden Hour: Rachel & Cole in Charleston, SC

Together with planner Abby Frye of PPHG Peninsula Events, the couple plotted a timeline that had everyone sitting down to dinner at sunset.

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