Elegant, modern and timeless: Valley couple marries in a classic black-and-white wedding

It wasn’t the most graceful proposal — but it was perfect.

Mackenzie (Bennett) Green and Matthew, both of Belle Vernon/Speers, were married June 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh-Southpointe. Photos by Carson Faith

When Matt Green dropped to one knee to ask Mackenzie Bennett to marry him, their four dogs tackled him before he could finish the question.

Flat on the floor, surrounded by chaos and wagging tails, he still managed to pull off the surprise.

Mackenzie didn’t help him up — she grabbed the ring and said yes.

And just like that, another chapter in their story fell into place…on the 28th.

A date worth repeating

Mackenzie and Matt first met in 2013 at a friend’s party, where a connection sparked that neither of them could shake.

By Dec. 28 of that year, they were officially a couple.

Nine years later — to the day on Sept. 28 — Matt proposed. And

Mackenzie (Bennett) Green and Matthew, both of Belle Vernon/Speers, were married June 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh-Southpointe. Photos by Carson Faith

on June 28, 2025, the couple sealed their forever in a timeless blackand- white wedding at Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe.

“Every big milestone just landed on the 28th,” Mackenzie said. “It wasn’t planned at first, but now it means everything.”

The proposal went to the dogs

Matt’s proposal plan was quiet and personal — just like the couple themselves.

It happened the weekend of Mackenzie’s birthday. She came home from a nail appointment and saw a small, pink and white polka dot box on the coffee table. Matt was sitting there nervously, bouncing his knee.

“He asked if I wanted to open an early birthday present,” Mackenzie said.

Inside the box was her engagement ring. As he pulled it out and got on one knee, their four dogs lost their minds — leaping on Matt and knocking him over in a flurry of paws and tails.

“It was complete chaos, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Mackenzie laughed. “I just grabbed the ring and said yes while he was still on the floor.”

Later that night, they went out with friends and surprised everyone with the news.

“It was the best birthday ever,” she said.

Classic and completely them

The couple envisioned a wedding that felt elegant, modern and timeless —something they could look back on in 50 years and still love.

They invited guests to wear all black to match their palette, which included black, ivory, beige and gold accents. The effect was striking.

“We didn’t want to choose colors we’d eventually regret,” Mackenzie said. “We kept it simple and elevated — it made everything feel intentional and cohesive.”

From a champagne wall seating chart to personalized cocktail stirrers featuring portraits of their dogs, every detail was designed with purpose and personality.

Over 100 candles flickered throughout the reception space, casting a warm, romantic glow over the neutral florals and gold candelabras.

Custom scrolls on champagne flutes helped guests find their seats, and napkins featured the couple’s four dogs in illustrated form.

Something old, new, borrowed and blue

Mackenzie wore a classic, form-fitting strapless gown from The White Orchid in Belle Vernon — the first dress she tried on.

“I was obsessed with the boning and the mermaid bottom,” she said. “No lace, no glitter, just clean and structured. I wanted something simple but powerful.”

To honor her mother, Brenda Hoye’s, love of glam, she added a veil with diamond beading.

Her after-party look had even more meaning: Mackenzie’s mother-in-law gifted her own wedding gown, which was repurposed into a bubble-hem reception dress and a matching bag for the traditional money dance.

“It fit me perfectly, and it was such a special way to bring that history into our day,” she said.

Her something borrowed was her late Bubba’s (Helen Bennett) wedding band.

Her something blue was a bouquet charm from her mother — a photo of her late stepfather, John Hoye Jr.

Her father gifted her a bracelet the night before the wedding, which she plans to pass down one day.

Bridesmaids wore black satin halter gowns. Groomsmen wore classic black tuxes with bow ties and satin trim. The flower girl wore an ivory satin gown that mimicked Mackenzie’s dress, complete with a mini train.

Ring bearer and flower girl outfits weren’t just adorable — they were stylish, too.

The ceremony

The couple kept the ceremony short and heartfelt. Officiated by Brian Beckinger, it offered just the right amount of emotion without being overly long.

“It was a really hot day and thunderstorms were rolling in,” Mackenzie said. “We wanted to keep it focused and simple. We didn’t write our own vows, but everything still felt very personal.”

Before the aisle walk, the couple shared private first looks with their parents — a moment Mackenzie says she’ll never forget.

She also arranged a surprise for Matt: a pinned photo charm of his late grandfather, Frank “Zeke” Green, tucked into his tuxedo jacket.

“He was incredibly close with his grandfather. It was emotional for both of us,” she said.

All around romantic

The details echoed who they were as a couple.

The reception wasn’t just a meal — it was an experience. Set against a backdrop of soft beige, crisp black, and glowing gold, the space felt intimate and refined.

“We went with neutrals — black, white, beige/stone, and gold accents,” Mackenzie said.

Guest tables were dressed in beige tablecloths with black napkins and goldrimmed charger plates, while the parents’ tables stood out with ivory satin chiffon and floral runners made of baby’s breath and white roses.

More than 100 hurricane candles framed the space, casting a soft light that brought warmth and elegance to the room.

As guests found their seats — guided by custom scrolls tied to champagne flutes — servers passed cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres: mini crab cakes, vegetable spring rolls, and teriyaki chicken saté, alongside an Italian antipasto display.

Dinner opened with salad and cheese ravioli in a cream spinach and tomato sauce.

For the main course, guests chose between carved New York Strip with an herb compound, herb-crusted chicken with Boursin cheese sauce or pasta primavera, all served with roasted asparagus and redskin potatoes.

While the dinner impressed, dessert took center stage.

The couple’s wedding cake was lemon with raspberry filling and buttercream icing, while guest slices were served on raspberry- painted plates for a colorful finish.

But the real head-turner was the cookie table.

“We had over 130 dozen cookies baked by the best family and friends,” Mackenzie said.

From lady locks to baklava, mini cheesecakes to chocolate chip, the spread had something for everyone — and plenty of it.

“There were so many to choose from and all were so delicious,” she said.

Instead of favors, the couple chose a photo-booth experience for guests — complete with instant prints and an online gallery.

For drinks, two signature cocktails — Peach Bellinis and Long Island Iced Teas — were served with custom drink stirrers featuring portraits of their dogs.

Because the venue only provided bottled beer, the couple created custom koozies as a keepsake.

“They said ‘The Greens’ with our wedding date on one side, and a picture of our dogs on the other that said ‘We do too!’”

A perfect weekend

Out of all of the glitz and glam of the day, the best decision they made – aside from choosing each other of course – was keeping everything in one place.

“The rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and after- party all happened at the Hilton,” Mackenzie said. “It kept everything stress-free and gave us more time with everyone we love.”

Their grand exit was anything but ordinary. After the bridal dance, Matt scooped Mackenzie over his shoulder and carried her out of the room. The bride’s mother closed out the night by singing karaoke to “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

“It was epic,” Mackenzie laughed.

The couple hasn’t taken their honeymoon just yet — but plans are in the works for a trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico later this year.

They have strolled into married life with ease.

“Not much is different than before, in the best way,” Mackenzie said. “We’ve been together for nearly 12 years. This just made it official.”

They currently live in Speers and spend most of their time cooking at home, taking park trips with their dogs, and planning their next chapter — one that includes kids, more adventures, and maybe even more dogs.

Their favorite memory together is zip-lining through Las Vegas — the kind of thrill that sticks with you. Their funniest? Lugging a makeshift cooler — an empty garbage can filled with ice and beer — to the beach, suspended between two broomstick handles after forgetting to buy a real one.

Because for them, it’s never been about perfection. It’s about laughing through the chaos, rolling with the moment, and grabbing the ring — even when it means doing it while your fiancé is on the floor, buried under four excited dogs.

Matt is the son of Ricky and Sandra Green of Rostraver Township.

Mackenzie is the daughter of Brenda Hoye of Rostraver Township and Frank Bennett of Belle Vernon. The late John Hoye was her stepfather.

Wedding details:

Bride: Mackenzie Bennett, 28, Belle Vernon/Speers Groom: Matthew Green, 32, Belle Vernon/ Speers

Wedding Date: June 28, 2025 Ceremony/reception: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe Officiant: Brian Beckinger Photographer/videographer: Carson Faith Photo, Tyler Newpol Films Bakery: Caked By Mar Florist: Sam’s Club DJ: Soundwaves Event Group Dress/suit (shop): The White Orchid, Men’s Warehouse Wedding coordinator: Jocelyn Solomon

Jeweler: Gabriel & Co., GDC Fine Jewelry Hair/makeup: Francesca Kusler of Francesca’s Faces, Emma Hackworth of Emma Noelle Beauty Live Painter: Lisa Sligar / Lisa Marie Paints Photo booth: Lux Photo Booth

Maid of Honor: Lydia Zacharias Matron of Honor: Lauren Goldbach Bridesmaid: Ashley Green Bridesmaid: Carley Bennett Bridesmaid: Stephanie Smith Best Man: Michael Green Groomsman: Dylan Kefover Groomsman: Bo Lustig Groomsman: Jesse Bennett Groomsman: Carl Nicolaus Groomsman: Tyler Goldbach Flower girl: Emberlee Bennett Ring bearer: Zeke Green