The Columns Banquet Center

03/11/2026

We are only four days away from our 4th annual downtown Altoona bridal expo! There is so much to do and see on this special day! You will be able to meet 50 separate wedding industry professionals from florists, photographers, DJs, travel agents, venues owners and much more! If you or someone you know is getting married in the near future you do not want to miss this event! Pre-register today. www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

03/06/2026

✨ The Final Vendor Lineup is HERE! ✨

Brides and Grooms preregister for free at www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

Walk-in's also welcome

We’re so excited to officially announce the final list of amazing vendors who will be part of our upcoming Bridal Show on March 14th! From stunning gowns and photography to florals, décor, desserts, and everything in between — these incredible local businesses are ready to help make your dream wedding come to life. 💍

Whether you’re just starting to plan or putting the finishing touches on your big day, this is the perfect chance to meet talented professionals, get inspired, ask questions, and discover ideas you may not have even thought of yet!

Come spend the day with us, connect with the experts, and start turning your wedding vision into reality. Trust us — you won’t want to miss this!

👇 Check out our final vendor lineup below and get ready for an unforgettable event!

Sponsors: Cook's Family Businesses and The Altoona Mirror
Photographers & Videographers: LaurMar Photo, Stefani Nicole Photography, The Gray Experience Photo + Video, & Mediated Media LLC.
DJs & Live Music: Bridge and Bow, Dynamite DJs, DJ YAMZ, DJ Jack Labarko Inc., Spinners DJ Services, Full House Productions, All Star Productions, & Loud & Proud Entertainment
Caterers and Desserts: Catered Affairs Altoona PA, Black & Blue BBQ llc, Philly Pretzel Factory - Altoona, Parlor Doughnuts (Altoona), & Foot of Ten Bakery
Bartenders: Woody Lodge Winery LLC., Timmy C Professional Bartender, & Will Travel For Cocktails
Wedding Gowns & Men's Formal Wear: Diamond Bridal, Always A Party Rentals, Beverly's Touch of Class, & The 700 Shop
Florals & Decor: Peterman's Florist & Flower Delivery, Florals on the Corner, Betty's Backyard Blooms, & Always A Party Rentals
Hair, Makeup, & Beauty: Amanda Sullivan, Giovana Makeup LLC., Calley&Co., Rebecca Litchy, Amarah Craine, & Love What you are Doing
Venues: The Columns Banquet Center, The Discovery Center Downtown, St Luke's Cultural Center, Marraras Mountain Lodge and Wedding Venue, The Penn Stater, The Appalachian Hideaway, & The Rustic on Sterling
Event Planners & Coordinators: Ever Essence Events, ConsiderIt Consulting, & Blue Bon Events
Travel: Ketrow KURTZ Travel, Wonderland and Beyond Travel - Ashlyn Gravagna, Freedom Excursions by Scully LLC, Wingate Altoona & Tōst at Market Square,
Printers: The UPS Store 6512
Kitchen & Home: Cora Yarnal - Independent Advanced Director, The Pampered Chef & Renewal by Andersen of West Central Pennsylvania

Brides and Grooms preregister for free at www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

02/22/2026

www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

The Cook's Family Businesses has been happy to be serving Central, PA for over 10 years. Businesses include: LaJo's Italian Sausage, The Columns Banquet Center, Always A Party Rentals, C&J Cabinet Co., The Discovery Center Downtown, Cook's Painting & Renovation, Triangle Banquet Center, C&J Rental M...

01/30/2026

There is less than 2 months left until the 4th Annual Downtown Altoona Bridal Show!

We would like to take a moment to announce and thank some of the vendors who have already registered!

There are a lot of new vendors attending this year. Whether you are a 2026, 2027, or even a 2028 bride there will be someone there for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with great vendors who prioritize creating a seamless and memorable experience for all weddings and events. Register today at www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

The 700 Shop, LaurMar Photo, Stefani Nicole Photography, Wonderland and Beyond Travel - Ashlyn Gravagna, The UPS Store 6512, Marraras Mountain Lodge and Wedding Venue, Cora Yarnal - Independent Advanced Director The Pampered Chef, Spinners DJ Services, Philly Pretzel Factory - Altoona, Twisted Beauty Parlor Doughnuts (Altoona), Woody Lodge Winery LLC., Beverly's Touch of Class, Always A Party Rentals, Peterman's Florist & Flower Delivery, The Penn Stater, Dynamite DJs, Betty's Backyard Blooms, Foot of Ten Bakery, Catered Affairs Altoona PA, Will Travel For Cocktails, Bridge and Bow, ConsiderIt Consulting, Wingate Altoona & Tōst at Market Square, and DJ YAMZ

01/22/2026

✨ Calling All Wedding Vendors! ✨

There is still time to be a part of the 4th Annual Downtown Altoona Bridal Show on March 14th, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, hosted at The Columns and Discovery Banquet Centers — vendor spaces are still available starting at $150 for a 10x10 booth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your services to engaged couples who are actively planning their big day and looking for unique vendors to help bring their vision to life. Connect face-to-face with future clients, grow your brand, and be part of an event that celebrates weddings that are truly one of a kind. 💍✨

If you’re a wedding professional — photographer, florist, caterer, DJ, planner, or beyond — we’d love to have you join us!

📅 March 14th
⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM
👗 Bridal Fashion Show at 3 PM
📍 The Columns: 1206 11th Ave, Altoona
📍Discovery Banquet Center: 1427 12th Ave, Altoona

Spots are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be included in this exciting event!

Register your business today: www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

Sponsored by Cook's Family Businesses and The Altoona Mirror.

01/02/2026

12/31/2025

💍 Did you get engaged over the holiday season?
First off—congratulations! 🎉
Now is the perfect time to book your wedding venue! We still have limited availability for 2026 and a wide selection of dates in 2027.
Choose from one of our beautiful downtown Altoona venues for your ceremony and reception, including:
✨ The Sanctuary at the former St Luke's Cultural Center
One of the oldest and most stunning spaces in the entire city
✨ The Columns Banquet Center
Elegant, classic, and perfect for unforgettable celebrations
✨ The Discovery Center Downtown with a modern look and
spacious enough to accommodate nearly any guest list

And that’s not all! We also offer party rentals through Always A Party Rentals , including:
Linens
Glassware
Decorations
Men’s formal wear and much more.
Everything you need to put the finishing touches on your special day—all in one place.
💒 We are your one-stop shop for weddings and banquets.
From the day you book with us until your wedding day, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to make planning stress-free and enjoyable.
📞 Call today to schedule your tour: 814-515-2796
🌐 Visit us online: www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com

12/24/2025

We are excited to announce the 4th Annual Downtown Altoona Bridal Show! Brought to you by Cook's Family Businesses and The Altoona Mirror on March 14, 2026.

Featuring a bridal runway show with Diamond Bridal and Always A Party Rentals.

For more information or to register today visit www.cooksfamilybusinesses.com