Really great portrait, but IMO you've cloned the hair way too aggressively. It's unnatural not seeing at least some stray hairs.
I'm not quite sure where the stray hairs are that you are referring to? There was very minimal removal of stray hairs...less than a handful at the crown of her head and that is it.
Huge difference between participants and non-participants, but I think it's simply because it didn't seem to be someone making a fool of themselves. The shot itself is truly wonderful. Congrats on the HM!