ASHLEY MACDONALD    

For as long as I can remember flowers have been a huge part of my life. As a child, I grew up in greenhouses surrounded by flowers and developed a love that turned into a fifteen year apprenticeship under the guidance of my mother, where I learned landscape, design and the skills of managing the daily operations of a family business. I attended Culver Stockton College and received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Soon after graduation, I moved to St. Louis and was offered a full time position at Baisch & Skinner Wholesale Florist as a fresh-cut Flower Buyer and Purchasing Manager. In the nine years that I worked at Baisch & Skinner, I had the opportunity to tour some of the largest and best-cut flower farms in the world, all the while studying and learning many of the cut-flower growing processes. This professional work experience allowed me to appreciate the floral process in its entirety, from the cut in the field to the bride's bouquet on her wedding day.

In 2016, I purchased Poppies Design Studio. Soon after purchasing the business, I hit the ground running and entered full force into the wedding industry. In 2020, I rebranded Poppies Design Studio to Ashley MacDonald Floral Designs, making the business truly feel like my own creation and a dream come true. I have always had a passion for floral design. The magic for me happens when I am able to turn a client’s wildest wedding dreams into a reality, drawing inspiration from my childhood, professional experience and passion for creating beautiful moments to remember.  

Through my spiritual growth journey I have learned I have a strong protective nature towards earth and animals. When I need to recharge my passion and creativity I simply take a walk with my dogs or visit my family farm. I am also very passionate about wolf conservation, specifically supporting The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.

ALLISON ELLEBRACHT   

Creating art in any form makes my heart happy and helps me find inner peace. Growing up I was always doodling, painting, and asking for art supplies for Christmas. As I got older, I hoped I would find a creative field to work in, but I was not sure what that would look like for me. In 2019, I graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising with a Minor in Design. Shortly after graduating, I was led to the wedding industry by way of an introduction to Ashley through a mutual friend. Ashley and I connected instantly and I have been by her side as her assistant ever since. My responsibilities include creating design boards and proposals, consulting with clients, composing floral designs, and executing the final vision on wedding days (and everything in between!). It is a joy and privilege to use my artistic strengths to bring our clients' floral dreams to fruition. Along with having the chance to be creative on a daily basis, I absolutely love working in the company of wildly talented, strong women. 

When I’m not in the studio or on-site, you'll find me thriving in paint-covered clothes while I prepare a fresh canvas at my easel, or spending some time outside with my husband Troy and our two Wheaten Terriers, Cleo & Ruby Sue. I love the strong bond I have with my family and I’m so glad I have found a similar feeling of support with my co-workers.

SARAH GROPPE

I have always been a creative person, but I struggled to find my way after high school. I was unsure of where to start looking for a career, and I knew that working behind a desk was not for me. Eight years ago, I was introduced via a friend of a friend to a woman who owned a flower shop. A private lesson in floral design turned out to be the catalyst for an unrealized dream to come true. I had found my place in floral design. In my opinion, the best thing about working with flowers is that the possibilities are absolutely endless; I could be given the same set of flowers as 10 other people, and every one of us would create an original, completely unique design that speaks to our own source of inspiration. I love pushing myself to experiment with flowers to expand my mind and how I think about floral design. While my skill set allows me to have a hand in any part of production, my favorite aspect is crafting the perfect bouquet. Whether it's designing with preserved florals for Agape or fresh for AM Floral Designs, I am happiest, and my soul feels most fulfilled, when I am surrounded by flowers. 

When I'm not designing flowers, you can find me at home cuddling with my two cats, Harper and Bailey, and binge watching reality tv with my husband, Mike. At this point in my life, I can confidently say this is the best chapter so far, and it’s in no small part to the support from my family, friends, and co-workers.