Madison Amalia Barnes
Robert Paul Dalka
Madison Amalia Barnes
Robert Paul Dalka
June 13, 2026
What The Day Means To Us
After 12 years together, we’re so excited to gather all our favorite people to celebrate this next chapter. Whether you’ve known us since childhood or recently met us in Detroit, you hold a special place in our hearts and we can’t imagine this day without you. We’re hoping for a celebration full of joy, laughter, drinks and dancing… basically a reflection of our relationship. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
How We Met
Flashback to February 2014, Clarkston High School’s production of Peter Pan was two weeks from opening and Maddie was terrified to be literally flying for her role as Liza. She was relieved, however, that the cute new guy, Rob, would be the one controlling the ropes. We flirted backstage whenever we could, and went on our first official date just a week later.
Where We Have Lived
Over the years, we have supported each other and have prioritized being together whenever we could. We've had our own journey of there and back again, starting in Ann Arbor during Rob's final summer at Michigan and out to Silver Spring where we began new in an unfamiliar place... Maryland. After a couple years, we jumped the border to DC, where we lived for three years in Logan Circle. We made a lot of friends and had great adventures, but soon enough Michigan called back. We moved home to Detroit in 2024 and live in a great apartment downtown. You should come visit!
Our Favorite Trip
In 2024, we took a once in a lifetime trip to Ireland to see two of our best friends get married. We started in Galway to see the rolling hills of Connemara and the sheer Cliffs of Moher. Our tour south took us around the Dingle Peninsula, through County Cork with a final stop in Dublin. The trip was filled with beautiful views and cold pints of Guinness, made complete with the celebration of Alexa and Zach as we danced the night away!
Who's At Home
A six-year-old orange cat named Butter and a one-year-old calico named Marmalade, who love to snuggle and are the light of our lives.
Schedule
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Guests Arrive
4:30 pm
There will be free parking in the garage behind the building off of Brush St.
Dinner
6:30 pm
Dancing
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Travel
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown
This is where our hotel block is! Quick 3-minute walk to the Gem. NOTE: Saturday rooms are filled up on the hotel block! Text Maddie/Rob if you want suggestions of other hotels as well.
Discount Code - XBAW
Hotel
The Siren Hotel
A boutique hotel with a lot of fun rooms. Just a 5-minute walk to the Gem.
Hotel
Shinola Hotel
The premier hotel of Detroit. A 7-minute walk to the Gem.
Registry
Wedding Party
Joowoon Choi
Maid of Honor
Joowoon and Maddie crossed paths plenty of times in high school, but it wasn’t until they started carpooling their senior year that they really became close. From French 5 and drama club to pancake mornings in Depot Park (iykyk), they quickly became inseparable. Joowoon is Maddie’s go-to for everything, but especially for grabbing Aperol Spritzes and keeping up with the latest Love Island drama. She truly is the Barnes' fourth child and secretly responsible for getting Maddie & Rob together. We wouldn't be here without her!
AC Bendle
Best Man
AC and Rob met way back in elementary school and have been close friends ever since. Over the years they've gone from meeting up at Rudy's market and longboarding in Depot Park to taking trains and planes to visit each other between Chicago and Detroit. AC is a lifelong friend who you can always count on.
Emma Barnes
Bridesmaid
Emma, Maddie’s younger (and undeniably cooler) sister, has always been the one to turn to for boy talk and Scooby-Doo marathons, both in childhood and today. Though they didn’t always see eye to eye growing up, Maddie and Emma have become so much closer over the years, bonding over reality TV, their beloved cats and all kinds of crafty projects. Maddie is so lucky to have a sister as kind as Emma!
Max Dalka
Groomsman
Max is Rob's younger brother who has always looked up to him. He sees Rob as an ideal role model. Growing up, they never got in fights and Max always knew when to say, "you know what Rob? You're right!" Max is honored to be included in this special day.
Harris Barnes
Officiant
Despite being six years apart, Maddie and Harris were close growing up playing Littlest Pet Shop and choreographing dance routines with the neighbors. Harris is excited to be the officiant, but don't ask him to define what that means. Maddie and Rob are lucky to have someone so thoughtful to guide them through the ceremony.
FAQs
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Yes, the dress code is "formal." This typically means suits (of any color), cocktail dresses, midi-length dresses, and/or floor-length gowns. However, we love color so please feel free to have fun with it!
Question
Will there be parking at the venue?
Answer
Yes! Free overnight parking (Saturday - Sunday) will be available at the parking garage behind the Gem Theatre. You are asked to be out by Sunday at Noon. Enter at this address: 1901 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226.
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Both ceremony and reception will be indoors. Cocktail hour will include an outdoor patio that is open for the rest of the night.
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
RSVPs will include the names of guests invited. If your invitation does not specifically indicate it, we ask that you do not bring a +1.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
While both of us love kids, we ask that they do not attend as we plan for this to be an adult-only event.
Question
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Answer
We ask that there are no phones or personal cameras out during the ceremony. We dropped some coin on a photographer and she will do a great job. If you want to capture any of your own moments during the reception, feel free and please share them with us!
Question
Any other questions?
Answer
Please text Maddie or Rob. We can't wait to celebrate with you! <3