Tuolumne > Yosemite Valley, 1st Timer Route choice help?

Hey Guys,

So im coming to Yosemite for my first time (from the Caribbean) in June. (June 17th-27th specifically)

I have never overnight hiked before outside of the Caribbean, but i do a lot of camping and are very active and fairly fit.

Backstory:
It has been a dream of mine to do the JMT ever since I was like 19 (now 35). Decided to do the entire thing with so little experience was probably not prudent, so let's be patient and start with a section hike and see how we do.

I've decided on Tuolumne Meadows to YV

What I would like?

1. To feel like i'm in the backcountry

2. To spend minimum 2 nights and 3 days out

3. Maximum 3 nights and 4days?

4. To experience part of the JMT

i'm going with my wife to be right after our wedding for our honeymoon.

Considerations:
Missed permit window so i'm banking on the 40% lottery or walk up
Question: Does it matter which trailed I start from in the area? and if not should I just apply for all possibilities? Do they stick you to the itinerary you provide? Aka if I can't get Rafferty creek should I just grab Cathedral Lakes or Glen Aulin etc and then do the same route i planned to do anyway?

After days and days of research these are my current route options below. I was hoping for some feedback on the choices from people who actually know what it's like (i'm living in a world of theory, maps and youtube vids right now)

Option 1 : Rafferty Creek >Sunrise>Little Yosemite Valley
Day1 - Rafferty Creek Trailhead to Sunrise
Day 2 - Sunrise - Little Yosemite Valley
Day 3 - Climb Half dome and exit via. Mist Trail

Pros: More Classic JMT Route and scenes
Cons: Only 2 nights, im travelling really far for this and don't want to feel like it ended too fast

Option 2 : Rafferty Creek >Vogelsang>Merced Lake>Little Yosemite Valley
Day1 - Rafferty Creek Trailhead to Vogelsang
Day 2 - Vogelsang to Merced Lake
Day 3 - Merced Lake to Little Yosemite Valley
Day 4 - Hike Half dome and exit via Mist Trai

Pros: Based on the map looks a bit more "backcountry" and perhaps less busy, get an extra day
Cons: Not classic JMT route?

*** would it be completely wild to try to squeeze in Sunrise to option 2 as well? and/or maybe skip Half Dome? (we can just do a day hike of half dome another time later in the week as I am in the lottery and hope to get it)

Sorry for the long message but really interested in the conversation it may spark!