126 Market St, Kittanning, Pennsylvania 16201, United States
Phone: 724-543-1060
Grand opening July 17, 2023
About Us
Owner
My name is Mackenzie Kijowski. I was born and raised in Armstrong County, PA. I have a son, Ezra who graduated from Lenape Tech and is joining the apprenticeship for Operating Engineers Local 66. I’m married to an amazing man who is my soul flame in this crazy world, his name is Michael. We got married January 26th, 2020.
I‘m an animal lover to say the least and have 9, yes I said 9, beautiful furrbabies. My doggos are Shelby, Nova and Scout. My kitties are Scrapper, Nubbins, Sassy, Dolly, Boog and Queso. I tried my hand in rescuing animals and as you can see I’m a foster fail.
I graduated from Culinary Arts at Lenape Vo-Tech in 2004, I earned my Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Family and Consumer Science Education in 2010. I subbed many years at Armstrong School District and taught in Pittsburgh, PA. I'm currently a Program Specialist at Armstrong Care, Inc. I've also helped several brides in my spare time plan their weddings. I'm a Virgo so over the top attention to detail and organization are my forte!
Why Bridal?
Since I was a little girl I was always making wedding dresses for my Barbie’s or drawing up designs I wanted to create. I started off wedding/event planning, not only my wedding, but helping several people throughout the years. I’m always planning a party for something and my attention to detail is impeccable.
In 2022, I had to put my wedding/event planning and basically my life on hold as I suffered several medical issues one after another. I was in and out of the hospital with basic knowledge of my diagnosis, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension(IIH). I was having flare ups with my Lupus and Fibromyalgia but nothing compared to dealing with IIH. For 5 months my body endured so many tests, procedures, needles and medications. I had so much built up pressure in my skull that my brain was being pushed down on my spinal canal. After months of nothing helping my last resort was just dealing with it, which was taking a toll on my mental health. I have suffered deliberating migraines and other symptoms lasting months long with no sign of easing up. I have always suffered from migraines for 20+ years and thankfully a doctor pieced everything together and by the end of 2022, I was having brain surgery. I was diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation, which is when my cerebellum tonsils have displaced into my spinal canal due to my brain being pushed down due to pressure. I'm proud to say I'm a Chiari Malformation warrior and currently doing better than I was. I'm seeing a holistic doctor who has helped me feel amazing and have changed my life!! I'm proud to say, I have been migraine free for over a year.
Months after my surgery, I felt as if I was missing something in my life and I no longer wanted to live in regret. My husband instantly says "no more animals" but that wasn't it either. Early in 2023, I saw a business opportunity and tried to figure out how I can make this happen. To run a business you have to be willing to take a chance on things and that is basically what I'm doing. I couldn't pass up on this opportunity. I was able to purchase all the bridal dress inventory and open up shop in Kittanning!!
This bridal business started several years ago in Kittanning, Pa as Bridal Reflections by Karen Zambotti and was purchased by Shannon creating Rusted Rose Bridal. The store moved from Kittanning to Johnstown. It was sad seeing this business leave the area but I'm so excited to be bringing it back to Armstrong County!!!
*Wedding photo by 84 Photography. Please check them out for your photography needs!
The Mission
MK Bridal & Special Occasions is committed to provide our bridal couples with stress free wedding planning for their bridal attire. To accomplish our mission, I will have the best designers to work within your budget.
My goal is to be the one stop shop for wedding needs as well as formal attire for prom, dances, and other events. It is MK Bridal’s mission to create a welcoming atmosphere and make bridal shopping as easy as possible. I want everyone to feel empowered, beautiful and amazing at their wedding or formal event day.
Brides have been asking me to list the animals names to their pictures:
(Top, left to right) Nova, Queso and Scout
(Middle, Left to right) Boog, Shelby and Nubbins
(Bottom, Left to right) Sassy, Scrapper and Dolly
Why shop here?
MK Bridal is a woman owned business and I want to help you make your dream come true. I'm not just building a business, I'm rebuilding myself. When you support small business you are supporting a dream. When you are here you will be treated with dignity, we will have fun and enjoy this experience and we get to play dress up. Also, 48% of purchases at local small business' go right back into the community. MK Bridal pet formals will donate a portion of sales to animal rescues. MK Bridal will also be involved with anything involving the community.