Meet Kortney Strange: Your All-Inclusive Wedding Planner at C&C by the Lake

December 16, 2024

Hi there! I’m Kortney Strange, and I’m here to proudly say: I want to be your wedding planner.

The Moment I’ve Been Waiting For My Entire Life… Cue Elle Woods’ Harvard Law Video!

Now, let me level with you—this part of my job is the hardest for me. Selling myself feels so unnatural, but I’ve come to realize that what I do here at C&C by the Lake starts with me. First and foremost, I’m selling myself—the person who will walk hand-in-hand with you on your wedding planning journey. After that comes our incredible all-inclusive package, and then, of course, our stunning lakeside venue.

If we’re being honest, your wedding planner is more than just a vendor. I’ll be your confidant, your cheerleader, and, on occasion, your crisis manager. That’s why I try to attend every single tour, no matter how last minute or inconvenient the timing might be. Meeting you face to face is so important because it allows me to show you exactly who I am and what I bring to the table.

At the end of the day, you’re not just choosing a venue or a package; you’re choosing the person you’ll trust to bring your vision to life. I want to be the person who you know will have your back through it all—the big decisions, the little details, and everything in between.

So, here I am—Kortney Strange, at your service! If you’re looking for someone who’s as invested in your day as you are, someone who truly cares about making your dream wedding a reality, I’d love to chat. Let’s create something unforgettable together! 💕

So, Who Am I?

Let’s get personal! I’m Kortney Strange—a proud mom to my two amazing kids, Joey and James Margaret. I’m also a fur mom to our sweet dog and cat, and the lucky wife to my husband, Zach. When I’m not planning dreamy weddings, you can find me lying by the pool with a podcast, sipping cocktails on a patio, pushing a kid on a swingset, or diving into a new craft project.

How the Heck Did I Land My Dream Job?

Someone pinch me, because this feels like a dream! Let me tell you, this is one of my favorite “short story long” moments, so get cozy.

Growing up, my dad was a fish farmer. Our lives revolved around those ponds and the fish swimming in them. After he retired, those ponds just sat there, vacant and overgrown with weeds. But then, in true dad fashion, he got this wild idea: bulldoze the levies and create a lake. And as if that wasn’t enough, he decided to build a “little party room” next to it—a spot where he and his buddies could kick back and drink beer.

When I saw the finished party room, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was no “little” space—it was a jaw-dropping, grandiose building, and I immediately thought, we can do so much more with this. So, I sat my dad down and said, “Dad, we need to make a plan.”

And that’s when everything changed. I helped him start a website and social media accounts, and we got the word out. To showcase the potential of the space, I organized a few styled wedding shoots, and before I knew it, we were booking weddings. At the time, I was a full-time Occupational Therapist in Little Rock, juggling the carpool lane and the chaos of mom life. Somehow, I found myself working two full-time jobs—OT by day, wedding planner by night.

But here’s where it gets really crazy: just 10 months into doing both jobs, I realized my heart belonged to weddings. I took the leap and went all-in as a wedding planner. And guess what? In 2024, I planned 41 all-inclusive weddings! I still can’t believe it. What started as my dad’s “little party room” has become C&C by the Lake, a dream venue where couples create memories that last a lifetime.

Every step of this journey has been wild, unexpected, and so rewarding. I’ve gone from fish ponds and party rooms to helping couples celebrate their love, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Let’s just say, when you follow your heart and dive in, magical things can happen! ✨

What Do I Actually Do with the All-Inclusive Wedding Package?

Great question! Let’s rewind a bit. When I first started working at the venue, I watched so many families struggle with the logistics—setting up, cleaning up, dealing with last-minute hiccups, and trying to wrangle vendors who sometimes didn’t quite “click.” I quickly realized that the traditional wedding planning process often created more stress than joy, and I knew there had to be a better way.

That’s when the idea for the all-inclusive wedding package was born. I wanted to create a system that took the pressure off of couples and their families, leaving them free to enjoy every moment of their big day. Over time, and through trial and error, I can proudly say we’ve perfected the all-inclusive planning process!

But back to the real question—what do I do? Well, here’s the rundown:

Getting to Know You: I start by learning all about you, your partner, and your dream wedding. This helps me understand your style, aesthetic, and must-haves.
Creating a Plan: I put together a custom planning guide that details every aspect of your vision, from colors and themes to special moments and decor.
Booking and Coordinating Vendors: I work with trusted vendors to handle every detail—floral design, photography, DJ, catering, cake, and more. I’ve built relationships with the best, so you can rest assured everything will go off without a hitch.
Designing and Decorating: My favorite part? Designing all of the floral arrangements and transforming the venue to bring your vision to life.
Day-of Coordination: On your wedding day, I manage the vendors, coordinate the timeline, and make sure everything runs smoothly. All you have to do is relax and soak it all in.
Clean-Up Crew Extraordinaire: When the party is over, I pack up your personal belongings and clean up the mess, so you and your family don’t have to lift a finger.

From start to finish, my goal is to make your wedding as seamless, stress-free, and magical as possible. When you book the all-inclusive package, you’re not just getting a venue—you’re getting someone who will walk with you every step of the way. Weddings are a celebration of love, and I’m here to make sure the planning process feels just as joyful as the day itself. 💕