Regarding Defoliating, go look up Raidermans grow journal, sadly he's no longer with us but he still has a lot to teach. He defoliated quite heavily and was left with baseball bats of bud in soil quite consistently. Don't take off too much at once, taking off a few of those bigger fans and the ladies won't even flinch.
As for your first grow, you're killing it dude. Good job well done keep it up looking absolutely marvelous.
Edit; something to keep in mind as well, not trying to scare you or anything lol, some strains can sometimes on occasion throw a nanner or two from not getting enough light. Usually on the very bottom of the plant where it wouldn't be worth trimming anyways generally.