As they exit the ceremony room, Jessica gestures to them and says, "We want to get a few more photos before you join your guests for the hors d'oeuvres."
"Yes, ma'am," reply Betty and Matt, who stay close to each other with a somewhat bashful Rosalina remaining in her father's arms.
Christina states, "Hilda and I will help bustle your dress. While you went with a relatively short train, we still don't want you to trip on it."
"Thanks," responds Betty, "There are enough eyes on us already, I don't want to provide anything for a blooper reel."
Matt teases, "I think I now know why the bride needs so many helpers, we men would have never figured out how that works."
"Are you going to keep your veil on or not?" asks Hilda.
"Those combs will complement your jewelry perfectly. I, for one, would much prefer to see your beautiful face so I vote for removing the veil," remarks Matt as he gives Betty an impassioned kiss.
Amanda says, "I think you just want to have an easier time kissing Betty, but I have to agree with Matt that the combs are more than sufficient with your gown."
"Before you take the veil off, let's get a few more pictures," comments Robert, which earns him a few looks from Jessica, Anthony, and Sharon.
"OK, OK, apparently I am having a harder time not being in charge of the photography than I thought," says Robert, which results in most present chuckling a bit.
After about 10 minutes, Jessica states, "Time to go have some food."
"Good, I'm starved," remark several in the bridal party, with Betty and Matt nodding in agreement and being the last two to leave the room.
Shortly after entering the reception area outside main ballroom, Betty and Matt have to shield their eyes, as there are sudden flashes from several cameras.
"I thought Jessica and the crew were taking a break for a few minutes. What is that?" asks Betty as she rests her head on Matt's chest.
"It is not our photography staff. Rather, the paparazzi have decided to make an appearance," remarks Matt with a sigh as he tries to block Betty and Rosalina from the cameras.
"Oh," replies Betty. "I suggest we give them a few special pictures and then send them on their way."
"Excellent idea!" exclaims Matt, as Betty encircles his neck with her arms and they kiss passionately followed by Matt spinning her around and lifting her off the ground, with both of them unable to stifle their laughter.
Matt gestures to the Plaza and personal security staff for the paparazzi to leave. The paparazzi are reluctant to take the hint that they have worn out their welcome, with Cal approaching them followed by raised voices heard by most guests.
After making sure that Rosalina continues to be content in Ignacio's arms, Matt and Betty go over and stand next to Cal.
"Excuse us," comments Matt, attempting to interrupt Cal's heated discussion with the paparazzi.
Cal states, "I previously promised that we would release statements and pictures from the wedding to the press, but if you don't leave now, we will no longer do so."
Glancing at Betty, Matt adds, "We will even talk about the launch of our magazine, Good Works, but I agree with my father, not if you continue to interfere with our wedding."
"Alright, we'll leave, but we want those pictures and the exclusive about your publication too," respond the paparazzi as they depart.
Betty whispers to Matt, "While I would have preferred to have someone else get the first press release about our magazine, I'm just happy you helped handle it without anyone, especially your Dad, ending up in handcuffs."
Briefly patting Matt on the back, Cal compliments him as he remarks, "Yes, son, well done. I am glad you have a more even temper than I do."
"Thanks, Dad, I just don't want anyone or anything to put a damper on this very special day for all of us," replies Matt.
Victoria, who is the grandparent currently enjoying showing off Rosalina to the guests, tells them, "Forget about the paparazzi for now. Go have some appetizers since we have only a few more minutes before we go into the ballroom."
Giving both Rosalina and his mother a brief kiss on the cheek, Matt responds, "Good suggestion, Mother, we will try to focus on the wedding and taste the food before duty calls again."
Matt escorts Betty over to one of the small tables and asks her what she wants from the three food stations.
Betty tells him, "A little from each please. I've never had caviar and both assorted cheeses and some Spanish inspired items all sound good right now."
She teasingly adds, "I've seemingly trained you well, you are serving me already."
Kissing her with such intensity that a few of the guests holler, which makes both of them blush, Matt says, "There is no one else who I would rather be catering to than you."
The servers pass unobtrusively among the guests, making a point of coming to where Betty, who has since been joined by Gio and Dana, are seated. They bring by the various appetizers for all to sample, which includes chicken and veggie skewers, crab cakes, mushroom ravioli, ceviche in frosted cups, lobster, mango, and macadamia nut sushi, and chargrilled shrimp among the dozen plus choices.
Dana tells Betty, "The ceremony was wonderful and the food thus far is very tasty even if some of it is a bit fancy."
"Here you go, my beautiful wife," comments Matt as he sits down at the table and places more food in front of Betty.
"Thank you my handsome husband," responds Betty with a smile.
Looking at Dana, Betty remarks, "Other than the paparazzi, and the occasional flash from Robert's crew trying to get some candid shots, it has been going very well so far. I'm glad we both managed to say our vows without any missteps."
"You two are definitely suited for each other and we are happy we can be a part of this. Romance is alive and well with you two and it will hopefully rub off on some of us too," states Gio who gives Dana a wink and an intense kiss.
"Happy to be of service," responds Matt with a smirk, "Everyone just needs to be sure to get back to their rooms for any private entertaining since I suspect that paparazzi are lurking around here somewhere."
Ben, the party planner, comes to their table and informs them, "We have started directing the guests into the main ballroom. Please finish eating shortly so that we can get ready to announce the wedding party, and of course, the couple of the evening, Betty and Matt."
"Certainly. I think we are all ready for some of the formalities to be over with so that the real fun can begin," comments Betty.
It takes nearly 20 minutes for all of those not in the wedding party to be seated in the ballroom. The band director then introduces the various members of the wedding party followed by both sets of parents as they walk into the room.
"Our turn to be announced is almost here, are you ready?" Matt asks Betty as he gives her a sweet kiss.
"Most definitely," replies Betty as she gently squeezes Matt's hand, "We are meant to be together and everyone who doesn't know that yet will be well aware of our love for each other by the end of tonight."
"Please join me in welcoming Betty and Matt Suarez-Hartley," states the director.
Smiling, Betty and Matt slowly walk into the ballroom, where all of the guests are standing up and clapping. They nod at the director and head to the dance floor.
"While your soup is being served," the director informs the over 350 guests who are seated among 40 tables of 8 to 10, "Betty and Matt will share their first dance to Always by Atlantic Starr."
"Let's hope our dance lessons pay off," teases Matt as he bows slightly and then holds Betty in his arms while waiting for the music to begin.
As they lean against each other and start to dance, Betty comments, "I feel like I am floating on air, so I think the lessons were well worth it."
Betty and Matt enjoy being in each other's arms as both they, and their guests, listen to the song's lyrics. "Girl you are to me all that a woman should be and I dedicate my life to you, always. … We both know that our love will grow and forever it will be you and me. … You're the perfect one for me and forever you will be...Can't find enough ways to let you know but you can be sure, I'm yours, for always…I will love you so, for always."
When the song ends, they give each other such a consuming yet vulnerable kiss that many of the guests gasp and smile at the same time.
Matt motions to Ignacio, who brings him Rosalina and places her between them.
The director says, "Betty and Matt are now going to attempt to have a family dance with the adorable Rosalina. Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder is the song they have selected for their family dance."
As the guests and the Suarez-Hartley's take pleasure in Rosalina's delight, as seen by her giggles and coos while dancing with her parents, they also attempt to listen to the lyrics too. "Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful, Isn't she precious…I never thought through love we'd be making one as lovely as she…Isn't she pretty…Life and love are the same…so very lovely made from love."
The music director comments, "I hope you all got some good pictures of their family dance since it was among the sweetest events I've seen at a wedding in a long time or ever. Please sit down and eat your soup, with many more courses to follow."
Betty and Matt sit at their own table, on a slight platform, with the bridal party as well as other close friends and family at tables nearby.
Betty whispers to Matt, "Ben knows what he is doing. The roses in assorted colors are perfect. The chair coverings and lighting are just right and are helping this room have an almost surreal feel to it."
"I agree," replies Matt quietly, "The ambiance of this ballroom is fitting for us, our guests, and our event."
"Here you go, Mr. and Mrs. Suarez Hartley," states a waiter as he places 3 bowls of soup in front of them.
Betty asks Matt, "How come we have three bowls when there are only two of us?"
"As the couple of the evening, you get to taste everything. We are actually setting aside a second set of servings for each of you since many couples don't get to eat much given the socializing and other responsibilities that go along with a wedding," states Ben.
He adds, "Now, enjoy your soup and a few minutes reprieve before the next set of dances start."
"Yes, Sir, I think that is a very good idea," replies Matt.
"All three soups are tasty, but I think I like the Wild Mushroom the best," comments Betty.
"Hmm…Let me see. Yes, it is my favorite too," responds Matt as he kisses her, making them both laugh.
Smiling, Matt says, "Well, you know there can never be too many chances for us to show our love to each other and everyone else."