Love the stream of consciousness that we all internalize. I do think you are right but must ask is that a brown? background or paper?? Remember, you asked and I think you are SO RIGHT! You are quilting something to commemorate a marriage. My thoughts are that the baskets are too tight and stiff, fill them with flowers, trailing vines on all sides of the heart, loosen the design. Make things lush as you are thinking of their lives together, ups and downs and ins and outs. Your work is flawless - but right now it probably reminds you as it does me of a headstone. Please forgive me if you are unhappy with my comments but I really think that is what you have thought all along about what is missing so it is driving you crazy.
You can tell me to shut up but I so want this to be the gift imbued with the love and thought and meaning you wish with the stitches saying all these things for you. I really hope this helps NOT hurts. Thank you.