Although this thought is probably contrary to what purists seek, I believe you would have better results to allow some processing overhead rather than striving to 'get it right' straight from the camera.
Here, imo, you're stuck with a washed out image and no hope of recovering or altering any detail. There are more than several ways to achieve the desired effect - this image forecloses all of them. Again, my opinion.
Don't know what to suggest about the hand other than crop it out going for ~ a square format, bottom edge about at the end of her hair. Not a bad result since the balance is more pleasing to the eye with attention on the subjects, not their waist lines.
It's not my kind of look. But, as Bob points out, you are better creating it in post-processing. Maybe looking for a reduced vibrance/saturation, lower contrast image. The bright light by his head is just taking away too much in the hat and becomes distracting.
Scott
