If you are going to hand quilt it I would quilt it about 1/4" in. from seams. and if possible not on the side that you have pressed your seams to. I have hand quilted a number of quilts. In large frames, and in hoop. I have a hoop stand that tilts and turns and I really like it. I have a larger hoop and medium size that I use on this stand. You will enjoy doing the hand quilting and I usually start in middle. Never done a large quilt in hoop mostly tree-skirts which is 54-60" or smaller
I think if you want to put heart in I would mark it and do it at the same time otherwise you are going to be moving your hoop a lot