Claxton Farm

This is why...

2012-01-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

...October dates in these old Appalachian mountains are the first to book! These colors are inspiring and courtesy of Mother Nature.

Kenzie + Chris

October 29, 2011

A huge thank you goes out to the skilled planners of Asheville Event Company, the truly timed imaginations of Woodward + Rick Photography, the naturally equipped floral/decor gurus known as The Bloom Room and last but not least Magic Hour Creative.
Bob and Jim created an amazing video reminding each of us how the movement of a day goes by oh so quickly!!

Just watch!

This is why...we all love what we do!

As seen on Style Me Pretty...

2012-01-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

Tara + Kyle were featured today on Style Me Pretty!

Follow this link.

Wedding Date: August 13, 2011

Once Upon A Dream, October 14, 2011

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Once Upon a Dream was a fairytale event held at Claxton Farm by one of the sweetest ladies we've ever met! Jennifer Hayslip with Sweet Eye Candy Creations planned a weekend getaway in Asheville, NC...full of imagination, magic and fun!

When you click on the link above it will take you to beginning of their Asheville adventure which started at our sister venue, The Crest Pavilion on Thursday, October 13th.

The following day they came to Claxton Farm for a day full of arts & crafts...followed by a delicious dinner and signature martinis!

We loved having the creativity and imagination abound on the farm! Take some time to look over Jennifer's Blog and have fun getting lost in another world!

More to come...

OoMicahoO

Weddings Unveiled Feature

2012-01-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

Weddings Unveiled Winter 2012 Issue

Mona and John were married on September 17, 2011.

They were one of the real weddings featured in the magazine, Weddings Unveiled.

See the feature here or for the nostalgic soul...you can purchase the magazine and reminisce on how it feels to hold paper in your hands!

...bye for now...

OoMicahoO

A Friday Wedding to adore...

2011-12-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Leah + Brock

September 16, 2011

We adore the brilliancy of each vendor involved with this wedding. Thank you so, so much to Jeremy Russell Photography; we anticipate Jeremy's return in April 2012. The Bloom Room, as always Stacey Brown and her team take us above and beyond dreams with decor and floral. The Ceremony was cared for by Reverend Jacqui Weiks and musical compliments by Opal String Quartet.

Take note of the indoor ceremony set up...we are lucky to have such a beautiful back-up plan when Mother Nature shows us another side.

Again, thank you to each and every person involved with this beautiful wedding, especially our M7 Event Staff.

...bye for now...

OoMicahoO

Stay tuned...Weddings Unveiled Feature to come...

2011-12-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

Mona + John

September 17, 2011

Thank you to Weddings with Tara for taking a Claxton Farm wedding to the dream level they envisioned!

Here is a little teaser from...

Abigail Seymour Photography

Mona and John will be featured in the Winter Issue of Weddings Unveiled...stay tuned!

...bye for now...
OoMicahoO

A September Love Spell!

2011-12-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Jenna + Harrison

September 10, 2011

These two are clearly under a spell...a love spell!

Peruse these images by Melissa Tuck and it is evident that they are totally in love with each other...I do believe everyone within a 30 mile radius of these two were in love that day!

Harrison and Jenna were a complete blast to work with...every phone call, email and visit! While Jenna finished school, Harrison was the question king! :):):) The two of them made an incredible team during the planning and I am sure the rest of their life together will be naturally balanced.

We were thankful when they asked us to cater their Rehearsal Dinner too. It was at PULP with a festive Mexican Bar!

Did I mention that we loved every moment of working with these two?!?!?!

I am just going to stare at this moon for a few more minutes!

Warmly...

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816 

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com    www.TeamM7.com

A Labor Day of Love!

2011-12-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Lindsay + Craig

September 3, 2011

Labor Day weekend can be one of the most sought after times for a wedding. All your family and friends take off work and plan a vacation to these peaceful mountains. Lindsay and Craig, along with their parents, planned a FABULOUS wedding with LOTS of DIY ideas. Follow this LINK to see images of their incredibly special celebration!

Vendors who complimented their vision...

Flowers/Design

Aria Floral was able to work with Lindsay and Jodi, the Mother of the Groom for this supremely unique vision. We loved the burlap, mixed with blues, golds and crystals...an unexpected blend that turned out freshly beautiful! Jessica Gregory never ceases to amaze us or her clients with her passion.

Photography

Brooke Images is composed of Ashley and Greg Granstad. They traveled to the mountains from Jacksonville, Florida to shoot this wedding...feast upon these visuals...they are full of details.

Be inspired!

Sweets

Tiffany's Baking Co. is no stranger to delicious baked goods. Here you will find her cupcakes and they were paired with pies baked into mini mason jars! Seriously cute and so , so good! Tiffany needs to get ready for more orders on the mason jar pies...I'm just saying!! :)

September, off to a good start...stay tuned for more September gems.

Warmly...

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816 

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com    www.TeamM7.com

Summer love out shines the summer sun...

2011-12-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

Kendall + Harrison

July 30, 2011

Red Hot! These two booked Claxton Farm sight unseen. In fact, Kendall and Harrison were in Honduras working with missions when family came to see what had Kendall so excited!

I am sure they also wanted to double check what was pictured on our website actually existed!! During the planning we did much over email and Skype.

This was a true DIY wedding!

Deborah, mother of the bride extraordinaire, along with a small army handled all the decorations and flowers!

Friends gave musical gifts for the ceremony...homemade jams as favors for the guests...and as you will see from the pictures, 200 of their closest friends and family came to celebrate!

We maxed the barn out that night!

Soul Central with Jay Bird came over from Greensboro, NC to provide music for dancing while Cakes by Jane complimented the evening with a sweet Vanilla Pound Cake with fresh Strawberry layers.

The work of Nicole Roberts with Alively Photography is featured. Take some time to peruse the fun she captured of this celebration.

We immensely enjoyed working with Deborah and Cathy (Mothers of B+G) and especially Kendall and Harrison. When they saw Claxton for the first time, Kendall jumped on Harrison for a piggyback ride as he ran all over the field and she laughed.

This fun-loving spirit was spread throughout the wedding and we are honored to have been a part!

All the best to you Kendall + Harrison!

Warmly,

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816 

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com   

A summer where it all began...

2011-10-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Tara + Kyle

August 13, 2011

Please take time to look through these pictures...

Tara and Kyle gaze at one another as if they invented romance and later the dancefloor!

I love, love, love these images by Caroline Ghetes Photography...so pure and so real...you-are-there!! Caroline had a second shooter join her named Ashley Gillett.

With floral and decor by Jessica Gregory of Aria Floral...just brace yourselves because this event is GLORIOUS!

Tara + Kyle I

Tara + Kyle II

Warmly...

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816 

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com    www.TeamM7.com

I "Dew" declare...we are Smitten with these two!

2011-10-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Rebecca + Yates Dew

July 23, 2011

PURE FUN!! From the moment I toured Rebecca and later met Yates...it was solidified..these two know how to have fun...and certainly know how to plan a party!

The images below were featured in an issue of Smitten, an online magazine. Leigh Webber is the photographer who skillfully nabbed these stunning images of a summer wedding on our dear Claxton Farm. Hollie Wood Style and Stems brought Rebecca's decor ideas to life. I especially loved the Vintage Music Wall made by her friends which adorned the dessert table by Take The Cake. Also, we LOVED what they did to the ceiling of our event barn too...swags of burlap and cafe lights.

Get Inspired! Thank you to all involved who made this event what it was...PURE FUN!

Bye for now...

OoMicahoO

Naturally charming...

2011-07-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Whitney + John

June 4, 2011

Southern Weddings just featured these two on the blog. Check out more images and be inspired!
Whitney + John Part I
Whitney + John Part II

If I had to describe this couple and the wedding event they created in a few words...I would choose...naturally charming!

From the day we met Whitney + John on their initial tour of Claxton Farm the two of them just pull you right in with their relaxed nature.

All of Asheville joined in to try and help them win a online contest for free photography but the universe had other plans for them...

Oh, Darling! Photography.

The husband and wife duo of Oh, Darling! have been to Claxton Farm before during the summer of 2010 for Mary + Greg and it was dreamy to have them back again with their cameras.

You all should enjoy perusing these images on their BLOG.

Several others pitched in with their natural vibes too!

Jodi with Short Street Cakes baked several different flavors of cupcakes such as Strawberry Short Street, Triple Chocolate, Carrot Spice Cake and Italian Creme Cake.

Bridedsmaids picked up the flowers from Meredith at Sweet Earth Flower Farm and they arranged them the night before! Whitney and John had collected the pine cones from California and the wooden table numbers were a great DIY project.

Ceremony + Cocktail hour featured a blend of acoustic mountain music and bluegrass by Blue Ridge Trio followed by a well-balanced DJ from Sound Extreme for dinner + dancing!

Whitney and John...may you two continue to share in a life time of natural charm! Thank you for sharing your precious time with those you love at Claxton Farm!

Hope everyone is keeping cool this summer...

Micah  Hartley

Event  Sales Manager

M7  Event Solutions at Claxton Farm 

P.O.  Box 6100  Asheville,  NC 28816  

`  phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com    www.TeamM7.com

Unbelievably beautiful images ahead...

2011-06-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Amy + Joe chose Abigail Seymour Photography, an incredible photographer based in Greensboro, NC to capture their wedding day moments on May 29, 2011.

Follow this LINK to see more of their beautiful day...and be ready to fall in love with their sweet puppy Syndey!!!

You will notice Abigail did a great job mentioning in her blog post many of the vendors involved but I cannot help but go ga-ga over the details again!

Thumbprint Tree Guestbook, Peach Preserves for favors, milk glass involved in the decor...these two really knew what they wanted and chose the right vendors to balance their DIY ideas... ultimately dialing it all in!

Floral + Event Design

www.FloraEvents.com

Ceremony Music, Cocktail Hour Music and First Dance www.SanctumSully.com

Reception DJ + Dancing

www.BlazinSounds.com

Catering + Bar

www.ClaxtonFarm.com/menus

Sweets + Dessert

www.CakesbyJane.com

Thank you to all who took such care of Amy + Joe!

Bye for now...

Micah  Hartley

Event  Sales Manager

M7  Event Solutions at Claxton Farm 

P.O.  Box 6100  Asheville,  NC 28816  

`  phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666 

   www.ClaxtonFarm.com    www.TeamM7.com

BHLDN Wedding Goodies!

2011-06-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

BHLDN is a new kid on the block in the last few months and many of you may know of them because of an Anthropologie addiction. :)

Well, today, I was bitten by the decor finishing touches email they sent and I MUST SHARE this with your savvy minds!

http://www.bhldn.com/the-shop_decor/

again...bye for now...

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666

Claxton Farm in the Spring!

2011-06-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Unbelievably beautiful events to

share from the Spring season at Claxton Farm...

Our first event of the season was captured by

Ashley Felkel Photography.

Follow this link to see more of

Heather + Andy

These two were incredibly thoughtful and fun throughout the entire planning process!!!

We were all ready for the bright green of early spring buds to carry us out of the winter season!

Bye for now...

Micah Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 6100 Asheville, NC 28816

` phone 828.658.1390 ` fax 828.645.5666

Just a moment looking back at 2010...

2011-01-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

Many of you have never been to the Claxton Farm Event Sales Office. We are tucked away in the attic space of a charming old building on Main Street in Weaverville. In the spring of 2010 we tied a line of twine in our office to clip thank you notes we began to receive.

We cherish these thoughtful gestures from our clients, their families, their guests and vendors!  I would love to share some of these with you as you spend just a few more minutes with us; beautifully real people with dream-like memories!

Ryan Bumgarner Photography

"How can I thank you for such a memorable day?  We all loved the wedding, the setting, the weather, the food and your attention to detail! If it wasn't for you serving a glass of wine to me at the table I would have missed out!  You all did a remarkable job! Best to all! "

- Lynne & Tom Doebber (Parents of the Bride) 

"Many thanks to M7 Events for the superb services offered last weekend for the Humsi-Wing Wedding Reception.  From the first visit several months ago during construction to the actual event we could not have asked for better service.  Please know that Fasetta Warren is an exceptional Bridal Attendant.  I was the wedding planner for Julie Humsi. Fasetta went beyond my expectations with her help and your other staff as well.  I will certainly sing high praises for your Claxton Farm.  Thanks again to all who helped make the reception a huge success."  

- Bennie Young (Wedding Planner)

The Beautiful Mess

"Thank you so much for a wonderful, and we feel, perfect wedding day!  From the moment we started our planning with you all everything became easy.  I cannot thank you enough for all the suggestions and help along the way.  Chris and I loved every aspect of our day and were beyond impressed with how smoothly it all went.  Honestly, it was perfect.  Claxton Farm is beautiful and we hope to return one day for another special event!  With Gratitude…"

 - Colleen & Chris Cummins (Bride + Groom)

"We just want to thank you for everything you did for our wedding.  Everything was perfect, and you guys were available every step of the way to make sure of it.  We appreciate your responsiveness and attention to detail.  It was great working with you!" 

 - Lauren & Chris Matthews (Bride + Groom)

Ryan Bumgarner Photography

"Thank you and your Claxton Farm Staff for a beautiful night to remember.  My daughter's wedding could not have been more perfect.  Your staff was professional and took care of every detail.  My family and friends are still talking about how beautiful the venue was.  Everything was exactly as we hoped it would be. Thank you for all your help through the past eight months.  Sincerely…”

- Angie & Doug Dickison (Parents of the Bride)

I could go on reminiscing over the 2010 season and all the incredible clients but I will have to save more for later!  

Bye for now…

Micah

Micah  Hartley

Event Sales Manager

M7 Event Solutions at Claxton Farm

P.O. Box 5895 Asheville, NC 28813

phone 828.658.1390

micah@claxtonfarm.net

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

As we approach one of my favorite holidays, it's easy to reflect on an amazing wedding season at the farm. We're so thankful for our clients (past and present), amazing Claxton Farm staff, and our industry partners that have made this year such a success. We're looking forward to a holiday season full of Christmas parties and the first New Year's Eve wedding at the farm! We'll (mostly) be out of the office enjoying travel and family next week, so we'll leave you with gorgeous images from October weddings in the meantime:

Colleen + Chris Part I

Colleen + Chris Part II

We wish you a joyous holiday spent with those you love!

Lindsey & Micah

P.S. Micah will be available by phone and email for any questions that may pop-up over Thanksgiving! Give her a call at 828-658-1390 or email events@claxtonfarm.net.

P.S.S The image above was taken by The Beautiful Mess at Colleen + Chris' morning wedding.

Link Love, Part II!

2010-10-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends and fellow wedding enthusiasts! We've enjoyed a wonderful (albeit exceedingly busy) summer on the Farm, and we're happy to share more photos with you from the lovely weddings we were so happy to be a part of. (The photo above was taken by the talented Aaron Hogsed of Aaron Imaging).

Molly + Brian
Sarah + Mike
Courtenay + Ivan
Jenny + Will
Caitlin + Trevor
Michelle + Shawn
Rachel + Van

Micah and I are excited to see the leaves changing color - more gorgeous images to follow!

Happy Fall!

Lindsey

Link Love!

2010-07-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

What have many of you been waiting for???

PHOTOGRAPHY!!!

Here are just a few links to photographer's blogs for a glimpse of several incredible weddings the new barn has been blessed to host! Keep in mind, these are folks that braved the fire and the rebuild with us and came out glorious on the other side. Thank you for your faith and trust!

Beth + Jon
Hannah + Dan

Meg + Phil

Laura + Grant (Part I)

Laura + Grant (Part II)

Molly + Brian

Mary + Greg

Mary + Greg (Part I) Southern Weddings Feature

Mary + Greg (Part II) Southern Weddings Feature

Stay tuned for more!
Bye for now...
Micah

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event was a Huge Success

2010-06-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 27th, the Claxton Farm family and M7 Event Solutions family hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting event for our NEW event barn. Over 400 business people and industry partners were in attendance. Thank you to EVERYONE that came out that evening. If YOU have not seen the new event barn, please contact Micah and Lindsey at the Claxton Farm event sales office at events@claxtonfarm.net or 828.658.1390. Visit us online at www.claxtonfarm.net.

OPEN....1st Event a Huge Success

2010-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Team,

Here are just a few amateur photos from our first event at Claxton Farm on May 1! The event was a HUGE success and is the first of many!

Website updates and professional photos to come very soon!

Joe

We're Open!

2010-04-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Team!

Yesterday, April 28th, we received our official Certificate of Occupancy for the new event barn at Claxton Farm! Our first wedding of the season is SATURDAY, so we definitely took it down to the wire. Many photos to come over the next few weeks. We'll also be updating the website soon!

Thanks to all of you for your continued support! Big things to come!

Joe

Nearing Completion

2010-04-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Team....sorry it's been so long since updates. Things have been happening so quickly at the Farm that, every time I would take a photo, there would be a significant change the next day! Here are some photos that I took yesterday morning. We're anticipating that final inspections will be done this week. Our first event is less that two weeks on May 1!!! There's still some trim to paint, etc, but we're really close to done complete.

Joe

A Roof, A Fire Place...!

2010-03-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of photos to wet your appetite....more to come! Looking forward to a wonderful new Era at Claxton Farm! Thanks!

Joe

Vote for Couple Number 3!

2010-03-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Click Here to help a Claxton Farm Bride and Groom win a wonderful prize. They are in a contest for spectacular photography at their wedding. This will also land them, and Claxton Farm, in a future edition of Southern Weddings Magazine. Voting Closes Today!!! Please click the link, you will be redirected to the Southern Weddings Blog Spot. VOTE FOR COUPLE NUMBER 3!

More to come on the new event barn very soon!

Joe

"A Bee Hive" of activity today!

2010-03-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Team,

Although I don't have any exciting photos to share with you today, I can tell you that work is really underway at the New Claxton Farm Event Barn. Block Masons are working on the stone fireplace, electricians and heating & cooling contractors are working on site, carpenters are putting in windows and more! The barn roof is on and the building dried in. I will post more photos when the Red Tin is placed on the roof, hopefully this week.

Thanks so much,

Joe

Snow Photos....

2010-03-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken by Porter Claxton on March 4th....we're making progress!

Photo Update!

2010-03-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

Team,

Thanks so much for your patience......man, Mother Nature sure has thrown us a few curve balls lately. However, that has not stopped our progress. Micah was on site a couple of days ago and snapped these photos with her phone and forwarded to me. Construction is progressing and we are still on track for our April completion of the new Event Barn at Claxton Farm. Hope you enjoy the photos....I'll try not to be so long between updates from now on!

Thanks,

Joe

Citizen-Times Article Regarding Conservation Easement

2010-02-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

Click Here to read an article regarding the Claxton Farm Conservation Easement. This is exciting news for all of our Event Guests and Clients!

Joe

Photo update

2010-02-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Team,

Construction crews are working diligently despite the weather and are prepared to work weekends if it should come to that. Here are a few photos taken last week. Enjoy!

Joe

WALLS! Just a few days after the foundation was poured...!

2010-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Team!

We're making progress....walls started up today! Click HERE to view a few photos of the work.

Please forward to all our friends and clients!

Joe

Foundation being poured today!

2010-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

Team,

A crew is on site pouring the floor/foundation for our new event barn at Claxton Farm. This is exciting news! As soon as the concrete sets, we can begin to build UPWARD! That will certainly make for more visible progress. Keeping checking this blog for updates!

Joe

Foundation work almost complete!

2010-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

Team,

Here are some photos of the foundation prep that has been done. All inspections are complete and the foundation should be poured today/tomorrow. It's been quite tedious work for plumbers and the contractors as they MUST ensure that floor drains, conduits, etc are located in their exact locations.....obviously they can't be moved after tons of concrete is poured! Once the concrete sets, you will start to see the building grow UP!

Thanks so much!

Joe

The Setting Remains.....

2010-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

Team, we're moving forward despite the frigid temperatures! Thought that I would post this warm photo for you and our friends to see.....the Claxton Farm site is "simply mesmerizing"..... Have a GREAT day! Joe

Digging Footings for new Event Barn

2009-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Team!

Here is a photo sent to me earlier today. The crew is onsite and digging footings for the foundation of our new Event Barn. We are progressing nicely.

Be safe,

Joe

Progress Photos - Dec. 29, Foundation Prep.

2009-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't the Claxton Farm site just amazing?!!! As you can see by these photos, dirt is moving....April 2010 is our deadline to have new construction complete! We're on our way!

Please send requests for more info to events@claxtonfarm.net.

Site prep and road widening underway!

2009-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Team,

The heavy equipment is rolling at Claxton Farm. We're moving dirt, widening roads, and preparing for foundation of the new event barn at Claxton Farm. It's an exciting time. We have confirmed several new "post fire" bookings and available dates are going quickly! If you have clients that may be interested in an event date at Claxton Farm in 2010, please refer them to www.claxtonfarm.net to complete the request for information form or have them call 828.658.1390 to speak with Micah or Maria.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

all the best,

Joe

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Claxton Barn construction permits are pulled. Of course, the "storm of the decade" will slow things this week, but not much work would have happened over the Christmas Holiday. We're still on schedule to meet our April deadline for certificate of occupancy.

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Holiday.

All the best,

Joe

Here is a link to view the new rendering with details:
http://claxtonfarm.net/newbarn.html

Permits are pulled and constrution begins!

2009-12-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Team,

Great news! Construction permits have been allocated to our builder by the County. The footprint of the building has been marked. Heavy equipment for site work is being delivered now and grading starts tomorrow (Friday Dec. 18) morning. We are officially moving toward our April completion date.

Because we will now have a year round venue, we're pre-booking for "A Claxton Farm Christmas" in 2010. Anyone that is interested should complete the Request Information form on the Claxton Website.

Merry Christmas,

Joe

Rendering Complete

2009-12-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Team,

Here is a rendering of the NEW Event Barn at Claxton Farm. The barn features a hard floor, 20' vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, wood siding inside and out, accent lighting, covered terraces, and more! It will be very rustic inside and out, yet have some conveniences that will make it a fully functional, year round venue. Construction will start with site work this week and estimated completion date is April, 2010 with our first wedding on May 1st, 2010. Thank you all for your patience and for spreading the word that we're continuing to move forward with what is sure to be a premier event venue for years to come.

All the best,

Joe

Renderings Coming

2009-12-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Team,

I've seen the renderings of our new event barn at Claxton Farm. It's really neat that the architect was able to keep the basic roof line and structural appearance as the old barn. There are twenty foot ceilings, covered terraces and more, yet all very rustic and simple, just like the old barn! We'll release them to the staff and reservation holders this coming weekend.

Also, there some some very interesting "Green" aspects to the new construction, like geothermal heating & cooling. Also, a portable saw mill is being set up and selective cutting will happen on the farm, which will reduce on over all carbon print.

Folks, the amount of work that has been done since November 2 is impressive. I know that many folks do not understand designing and constructing a new building. If anyone were to question our progress, please let them know that we are working at Mach 5 speed to get this done. My next Blog post should have some sort of rendering included.

Thanks,

Joe

I have seen the plans!

2009-12-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Team,

I want to let you know that I've seen the plans for the NEW Event Barn at Claxton Farm. Please inform everyone that serious progress has been made and that there will be a private unveiling for our staff and family on December 11th, then we'll release the renderings and plans to our entire list of reservation holders. After that, to the general public. Construction will start soon and our deadline for completion with C/O is May 1, 2010.

Thanks for all your support during this time, and thank you to the Claxton Family for continuing the vision and for continuing to share the magnificence of Claxton Farm for years to come!

My best,

Joe

Dec. 11th

2009-12-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Team,

Plans are coming together and site work has begun. I will be working with The Claxton Family through the final review of plans, hopefully this week. I know that Dec. 11th is the date set for "unveiling" the plans. I hope to have renderings in the hands of our reservation holders prior to that. Now you all have a date to look forward to and to share. Things are moving forward and we're looking forward to a huge 2010 season at Claxton Farm and beyond. Thanks, Joe

Post Thanksgiving Update

2009-11-29T05:45:00.001-08:00

Team,

The Thanksgiving Holiday week has put updates behind. The Claxton's have cleared the old barn site and have prepped it to begin construction. They are still settling on a plan, so I don't have any renderings to post at this time.

We have had 9 "post fire" event bookings. These folks are taking advantage of our temporary booking policy which allows them to reserve their date at Claxton Farm for a minimal refundable deposit until they have time to review the new venue plan.

I believe that we will have more regular updates this week.

Best regards,

Joe

Update from Joe Lasher

2009-11-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Team,

I met with Porter and Martha Ann Claxton today. Their architect is working hard on plans. We're getting closer to releasing the design of the new barn. I can tell you that the roof line will be similar to the old barn. We will have a solid floor and post & beam construction with high ceilings. We're anticipating a nice deck overlooking the pond. It's important to Martha Ann that events on the Farm are focused as much on the outdoors as possible. We're working in that direction.

More later,

Joe

Update from Claxton

2009-11-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Joe & M7:

I will try to keep you up to date with our progress at the Flat Top as we go along: We knocked down the Bathrooms yesterday and took a load to the Landfill; however, they wouldn't take it because it was a burned product. One has to wait 2 weeks before they will take burned debris. Too bad we didn't know this ahead of time. This will delay our process, but we will continue to work on the site. We hope to knock down the storage room today if we get it cleaned up inside. We cut off the septic drain to protect it and the water line to the BR. As you may know we have temporary power back up so that the water can get to the cows. We have taken 3 loads of metal to Biltmore Iron including the golf cart remnants. There is probably one more to go.

Update

2009-11-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Folks,

I visited the old barn site today at 1:30 PM, less than one week after the fire. Heavy equipment was on site. The site has not been fully released by the powers that be. Equipment is in place for clean up as soon as that release happens. We met with the Architect and Builder last Friday morning and handed over schematics and conceptual drawings for the new barn structure. There will be 3 dimensional renderings available to view ASAP.

We've had an overwhelming showing of support from our friends and community. Words can't express what that means to the M7 and Claxton Farm Families. We are looking forward to hosting our first event on May 1, 2010 and MANY more events in the future.

All the best,

Joe

Joe Lasher, President
M7 Event Solutions and Catering
Operating Claxton Farm Events since 1996

Progress Report

2009-11-06T03:23:00.000-08:00

Folks,

I can't tell you how impressed I am with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Dept and our Arson investigators. They have done a superb job and are still working the criminal investigation.

Today at 9:30 AM, we are meeting with Builder and Architect. Preliminary design of the new barn has been drawn. We'll work with the architect to have renderings and plans available for posting on this blog very soon.

Clean up of the burn site will begin as soon as investigators release the site. We anticipate resuming client tours NEXT weekend.

Please subscribe to this Blog if you wish to have regular updates...and...please feel free to forward it to anyone who is connected to Claxton Farm.

Joe

Letter from M7 President, Joe Lasher

2009-11-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

Team,

We are all saddened by the loss of our historic Barn at Claxton Farm. As you may or may not know, M7 Event Solutions was essentially formed on that Flat Top lawn in front of that old barn in February of 1996 when Martha Ann Claxton and I met to discuss possibilities. Over the last 14 years, we’ve grown into the company that we are today. The barn evolved with our company over the years with the addition of lights, then restrooms, then stage and bar area modifications. After that came beverage equipment, refrigeration equipment and more storage. A new roof was added and more electricity to accommodate the growing demand. We modified and modified the old barn, always trying to keep the rustic simplicity and charm. It is tragic to lose all of the history and effort that went into making the barn what it was in the end.

I was out of town when the fire occurred Monday evening and cut my trip short. As I drove across NC, I thought of all the personal events that have happened for me in that old barn. My son’s first birthday party; my grandparents 50th anniversary; my sister’s wedding; my tenth anniversary celebration; and countless other personal moments. I did not know what emotions would flow when I saw the charred remains of the building. As I rounded the curve and turned into the gravel drive leading up the barn site, my spirits were lifted. Yes, the barn was gone, but the view and setting were more clear and more majestic than I’d ever seen. I realized that I was experiencing Claxton Farm like I did the FIRST time I met Martha Ann in the winter of 1996. My heart and mind were flooded with possibility!

Shortly after I arrived at the site and had spoken with the investigators, I moved to the side of the Flat Top to reflect on the situation. Porter Claxton drove up and exited his vehicle. We met on the Flat Top lawn like we have 1000 times before, but in this new setting. His first comment was “Joe, this has opportunity written all over it”. He doesn’t know it, but he got the words out before I could.

Folks, I want you to know that the plan is DEFINITELY to regroup and rebuild. And, although the old barn is a tragic loss, we have the opportunity to recreate all that was GREAT about the barn….the charm and simplicity of design….and put it into a fully functional event venue that will allow us to introduce even more people to our mountains and the majesty of Claxton Farm through events held well into the future. We are meeting and discussing this immediately and regularly and will continue to do so until the plans are in place and construction has begun.

Please forward this letter to all past, present and future Claxton Farm Clients. They need to know that we have set up a BLOG at www.claxtonfarm.blogspot.com that they can visit for updates and to share their comments and stories. I strongly encourage anyone that is considering their event at Claxton Farm in 2010 to go forward with securing their date now. Plans will be unveiled over the coming weeks. If they are dissatisfied with the direction we are going, then deposits will be refunded. I truly believe that we are taking a huge step to reassure the community and our industry partners that Claxton Farm will REMAIN a premier event destination long into the future.

Thank you so much for your work and efforts during this time!

With much appreciation,

Joe

Joe Lasher, President
M7 Event Solutions & Catering