THE computer game Halo 3 is renowned for its battles between humans and aliens – not the most likely inspiration for a wedding.

But one couple defied convention when their dream nuptials at Westcliff’s Cliffs Pavilion yesterday were based on the game.

Luke Mair and Toni Gilbert decorated the venue with red and blue flags, representing the teams in the game, and had a cake made by Leigh Road Cake Centre in the shape of the game map. Toni’s best friend and her mother made her dress and embroidered the game’s logo on the back.

The couple, of Hainault Avenue, Westcliff, have been engaged for two years. Toni, 23, said: “We are huge fans of the game and were talking about what we should do for our wedding and having a laugh about a Halo-themed wedding. It just exploded from there and we went all out.”

The Halo trilogy has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide and has been praised as one of the best first-person shooting games. Luke and Toni won a Southend Radio competition, which paid for the wedding. The couple had to answer Mr and Mrs-style questions on their compatibility.