Due to the added complexity of requiring return bookings, AMC is probably not your ideal option. Look at Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic, or United for one way tickets. There drawbacks and benefits to them all.
Discussions of booking via Virgin Atlantic here
Virgin Atlantic (VS) Flying Club points redemptions on ANA (NH) - Master thread
Am sure the United forum and Air Canada forum have threads as well, I just never looked at them.
Consider seating your wife in F and yourself in J, or not actually flying together. As finding two F on the same flight can be very difficult. Book F/J or ORD/JFK once you see it, and keep and eye out to improve the bookings later.
You can use United Plus Points to go from a cash fare J to F or Y to J on ANA, but study the required booking classes before booking, and know that ANA may go out with empty seats in the higher classes without clearing a Plus Point request.