If you have got it done at any professional photo studio - it would be okay. And at first it is a digital photo so you can check the sizes that way too.
Henry (you or your friend :)) you do not need to marry. If you are a PR then they can sponsor their spouse visa. If he is a refugee (and not a PR) - don't think he can do that. In that case, she has to do her own process.
You are in IP1. After that you move to NA and then IP2 (generally). Though it is not a hard and fast rule, CIC is known to surprise many.
One of my colleagues never went into IP1 or NA, directly to IP2.
If you can withdraw RD at any point of time (ie if it is liquid) then its fine, else move it to a Savings Account - saves the hassle. I showed FD, which works.
No change after IP2, till I received my COPR. In fact after 7 days of I received my COPR; you will have one more Message Box, with 'Document Status' Heading. It would include all approved members, their UCIs. and Your Document is valid as status.
The application status would read something like...