Phone: 724-543-1060
Phone: 724-543-1060
I’m Mackenzie Kijowski — born and raised in the heart of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. I’m married to my soulmate, Michael, and together we share a life filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of furry paws. We were married on January 26, 2020, and my son, Ezra, who has become such an amazing adult.
Animals have always held a special place in my heart. I share my home with my nine beautiful fur babies — dogs Shelby, Hank, and Scout, and my cats Scrapper, Nubbins, Sassy, Dolly, Boog, and Queso. My sweet girl Nova crossed the rainbow bridge in July 2024, but her spirit will always be part of our family. I once tried my hand at fostering… but let’s just say I’m a proud foster fail!
I graduated from Lenape Vo-Tech in 2004 with a focus in Culinary Arts and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2010. Over the years, I’ve taught in the Armstrong School District and in Pittsburgh, and today I’m proud to serve as a Program Specialist at Armstrong Care, Inc.
Beyond my professional life, I’ve always had a passion for helping others — especially brides — create memories that last a lifetime. With my Virgo-level attention to detail and love for all things elegant, I’ve turned that passion into a career through MK Bridal & Special Occasions. Whether it’s finding “the one” or perfecting the little details, I believe every moment deserves to feel magical.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved everything about weddings — the emotion, the creativity, and the way one perfect dress can change everything. As a little girl, I spent hours designing gowns for my Barbies and sketching dresses I dreamed of creating one day. That childhood passion never left me.
Over the years, I turned that creative spark into a love for event planning — helping friends and family bring their dream weddings to life. But in 2022, life came to a halt. I faced several serious medical challenges, including Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and ultimately, a diagnosis of Chiari 1 Malformation, which required brain surgery.
It was a long, difficult journey — but one that changed me. I came out stronger, grateful, and determined to follow the dreams I once had to pause. With the support of my husband, Michael, and my family, I took a leap of faith in 2023 and opened MK Bridal & Special Occasions, bringing a beloved bridal boutique back home to Armstrong County.
Today, MK Bridal is more than a store — it’s a story of resilience, community, and passion. Every bride who says “yes” here becomes part of that story, and I’m honored to help make those unforgettable moments happen.
At MK Bridal & Special Occasions, our mission is to provide every couple with a stress-free, joy-filled bridal experience. From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to make wedding and formalwear shopping effortless, empowering, and fun. We proudly feature top-tier designers who bring elegance and quality to every gown — while staying mindful of your budget and vision.
We’re more than just a bridal boutique — we’re a one-stop destination for all your wedding and formal attire needs. From breathtaking bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses to tuxedos, prom looks, and special-occasion styles, MK Bridal is dedicated to helping you feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated for life’s most meaningful memories.
In 2025, we expanded our dream even further with the creation of Nova Chic, our exclusive in-house line designed by owner Mackenzie Kijowski. Named in honor of her beloved dog Nova, this collection represents strength, beauty, and new beginnings — blending timeless elegance with a touch of modern edge. Each Nova Chic gown is crafted to make every woman feel radiant, empowered, and uniquely herself.
And of course, no story of MK Bridal would be complete without our furry family
MK Bridal & Special Occasions isn’t just a boutique — it’s a dream come to life. I started this business with one goal in mind: to help others feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated while I rebuilt myself along the way.
As a woman-owned small business, I take pride in creating a space where you can feel comfortable, supported, and excited about one of the biggest moments in your life. When you’re here, you’re more than just a customer — you’re family. We’ll laugh, have fun, and make memories while finding your perfect dress. No pressure, no judgment — just pure joy and a little sparkle.
When you shop local, you’re doing more than saying “yes” to the dress — you’re supporting a dream. Nearly half of every dollar spent stays right here in our community. At MK Bridal, that support goes even further. Through MK Bridal Pet Formals, a portion of every sale is donated to local animal rescues or our yearly FREE Prom dress give away to intellectual disabled individuals for their prom.
Shopping at MK Bridal means more than finding a gown — it’s about being part of something built with heart, hope, and hometown pride.
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