Location Location Location!!!
You can tell a lot about a photographer by seeing if he/she pays attention to location when you look through his/her portfolio. Of course there are the traditional shots, such as in the church, but there are also what I call the private portrait session shots. These are the photos that allow your photographer to get really creative. Depending on the time constraints of your wedding, you and your photographer might be able to go to some really unique spots to create some very memorable images.
When you look through your prospective photographer's portfolio, look to see that the photographer doesn't always blur out the background or misuse it. For example, in my online portfolio you see a variety of shots that range from close-ups with blurred backgrounds, to shots that incorporate the background to enhance the image and give you a sense of the environment of the day.
I have just moved to Florida as of June 26th, and would love suggestions from anyone on cool photo spots in Central Florida. I am always on the look-out and because I am new to the area, I will be spending a lot of time searching for these photographic jewels! I always make a habit of going to wedding locations ahead of time, so that I can find great photo spots that are convenient to your venue.