Need recommendation - Cedar Stain

Hi,

I've been reading on this site for a while and couldn't really decide on what to do and use.

I have a new Cedar deck, installed about 1 month ago. However, the planks were stacked outside for about a year, through winter, before their installation.

Planks have since grayed out and am planning on staining it to try and get to a more blond/orange-ish color (think wet, new cedar color, maybe a bit more saturated color)

From what I've read it looks like I should wait until fall, but I would also like to sand the surface to even it out. Should I sand it long before staining, or just before?

Also, what brand would be good (especially in term of durability) for cedar?

Note that I am living in Quebec, Canada, with winter snow and heavy rain in fall.

The deck is exposed to sunlight from morning to beginning of afternoon.

Thank you all for your help!