In a delightful twist on wedding traditions, Brett Borland and Georgie Abela celebrated their nuptials with an engaging and competitive event designed to decide their shared surname. The couple, both hailing from large families, created a fun-filled “Battle of the Surname” to ensure their relatives bonded while adding a memorable element to their celebration.
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The 30-year-old groom, who resides in Melbourne, Australia, explained that the idea emerged from a discussion on how to encourage their sizeable families – each boasting over 50 members – to mingle during the wedding. Adding to the mix was their uncertainty about which surname to adopt after getting married. While Borland was open to taking his wife’s name, Abela, 31, was hesitant about leaving her surname behind.
The couple took an innovative approach to resolve their dilemma. Abela proposed a competition between their families, and thus, the event was born. They held several entertaining games at their wedding reception to determine which surname would prevail. Without prior knowledge of the competition, guests were treated to a surprise when the couple announced the games, which included a tug of war, a potato sack race, a soccer shoot-out, and a twerk contest. However, the couple limited the competition to the first four events, aiming for the first family to secure three wins to bring the contest to an end.
Reflecting on the excitement of the day, Borland remarked, “To be honest, everyone really locked in — which we absolutely knew would happen. The stakes were high, and everyone rose to the occasion.” Participants displayed their competitive spirit, with even Borland’s father changing into athletic attire, ready for the challenges ahead.
The event turned out to be more vigorous than the couple had anticipated. They noted a few minor injuries among participants, including tug-of-war rope burns and foot injuries, as family members immersed themselves in the games. “There was nothing serious, though, and it was all taken in good spirits,” Borland assured. The couple was overwhelmed by their families’ enthusiasm and noted that the games fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie.
After the lively competition, the Borland surname emerged victorious, and the couple shared a video of the reception on social media under the catchy caption, “Two names enter, one name leaves.” The post quickly gained traction, going viral and racking up more than a million shares across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
“It’s been a lovely validation that what we did was unique and special,” Borland expressed. The couple’s inventive celebration captured the attention of others who felt inspired to follow their lead. The venue manager informed them that other couples were already showing interest in hosting similar events.
Ultimately, the “Battle of the Surname” not only determined the couple’s surname but also successfully fostered interactions among the families, which may continue well beyond their special day. The joyous occasion was described by one guest as a “big family party,” with many emphasising how well everyone interacted throughout the evening.
This distinct approach to a wedding ceremony highlights the evolving nature of matrimonial traditions, showcasing that celebrations can blend both meaningful customs and fun activities. As more couples seek unique ways to personalise their weddings, the concept of combining family bonding with entertaining challenges, as demonstrated by Borland and Abela, may encourage even greater creativity in future nuptials.