There are three settings on the dodge and burn tool that let you select Shadow, Highlights or Midtones. Burning on a setting other than Highlights will have little effect on a really bright area. The Highlights setting should do the trick. I usually use about 12% opacity to "tread lightly." There are other tools that also work, like the brush tool. There are usually several ways to achieve similar results.

To me the issue is more about lenses, and which you may already have. I deal with cameras year round and have a slight preference to Nikon because the lenses made as far back as the 60's can be used, at least to some extent. The older Nikon lenses were beautifully built, often all metal construction. Canon on the other hand uses only lenses made since autofocus came out in the 80's. Also, Canon lenses tend to be more expensive, probably because of the availability.
Quality wise, every manufacturer makes some great stuff and some "plastic junk."

Very nice choices so far but you lack a really wide angle. I couldn't go far without my Nikon 12-24.

How 'bout this! Different folks have a different "wow factor."

Over a hundred of my shots of students were put up on permanent display in my school halls. They are huge 24x36 mounted on foam core with a linen overlay. The overlay provides UV protection and makes them easy to clean. I agree that the overlay does diffuse the light in a way that lowers the contrast and sharpness, but in the case of the school display it was a good compromise to protect them. They are usually viewed at a distance and look nice. I'd never use an overlay for gallery purposes, though.
The foam core also made for easy push pin hanging with holes in the back for the heads of the pins.

I'm a professional photographer and have found a happy compromise. There really can be a problem caused by guests. Eye blinks and distracted faces can compromise the integrity of posed group shots. I always ask that I might be allowed to arrange the wedding party and get things ready. I then take my shots from the best vantage point, and then step aside and allow the quests to shoot. Most of their flashes aren't powerful enough to get a decent shot anyway. Large groups are hard to shoot without someone blinking so I have a little trick I do there, too. I ask everyone to close their eyes and then open them on the count of three. Works great! If I was afraid of competition I probably shouldn't be doing it for a living. This has worked well for me for many years.