A photographer doesn't provide a service, he is a presence. I have brides ask me for advice when picking a photographer, here is what I say:
At the end of the day, make sure whoever you pick is someone that you connect with personally. I'm sure you are aware of this but I had to learn it. I never really knew how simple this was until I photographed a number of weddings where I struggled to make a connection. The first time was when I went as the videographer and the photographer was someone I'd never met. He made a lot of jokes and assumed that everyone shared the same humour which made for some marvelously awkward moments. The bride had booked him because she liked his photos and refused to say a bad word about him. Although it came out later, "I don't want him in the room when I'm getting changed, let alone being apart of my day." It's important to mention that a different couple would have appreciated his humour, however simply liking someones photos is never enough. The next time was when I was hired to video a wedding and the bride and I just simply didn't click. I did a good job and they loved their video- but we just didn't get each other. It wasn't an awkward or a personal thing, but without that mutual understanding it's hard to breathe life into an image in someones head.
Remembering the photographer, should you wish, will witness some of the most intimate and holy moments of your day. I need only mention the first act of the day- to be with the bride as she readies herself is a place of honour, where even fathers are often held at bay until the final moments.
I encourage all brides to go in search of the highest in all of the services they choose. If you have the time, hunt until you are happy, hunt until you have found what you know you want. The grief of my trade is when someone thinks a wedding has to be a certain way.
In regards to photographers, Ansel Adams said this, "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs"
Photos that stay with you have something in them and behind them that you can't explain or put words too- they just are and that is that connection and comfortableness. Choose a group of photographers whose work you like then choose one as if they would be a guest to your wedding. If you wouldn't invite them as a guest then don't trust them with your photos.
Just a thought.