Before you purchase ANYTHING, I would test paddle as many of your "choices" as you can, loaded and unloaded. Maybe you and wife alternating bow and stern. See what feels best for your style of paddling and how comfortable you feel in it.
 If you can't do that, I would rent one and make mental/paper notes of your likes and dislikes. Its really not much different than buying a car.
Most of the well name brand canoes that have been in business for years are well built and will do the job. NO one canoe will be the overwhelming choice of ALL the paddlers who will give you advice.
 I'm partial too SR, but that's all I've really paddled. I do know there tough and well built, but not always the fastest or most stable in there class.
 Maybe you could rent two different brands if you went with another couple, and swap rides after a few days?  Nothing better than real world experience too solidify you likes and dislikes.