As a wedding photographer it is critical to capture emotion as well as those special moments documenting such a life event.  To help in accomplishing this goal, it is critical for me to get to know my clients.  Talking on the phone is great, but just isn't enough, so I like to meet face to face with the couple way before the engagement or wedding shoot, usually at a comfortable relaxing location, where everyone can feel at ease.  I want to know how long the couple have known each other, how they met, how did the groom propose, any funny/interesting stories behind that etc.  I have an interview questionnaire that I use as a guide to help me acquire as much knowledge of the couple, their families and friends as I can.
At a recent wedding I photographed, I knew that the couple, Liz & Trey, spent a great deal of time searching for the right venue and chose the one they did because of the beautiful grounds as well as one particular structure on the grounds.  So, as a result of that knowledge, I shot the wedding party photos and 1st look photos in and around that structure.  I knew that would be important to the couple.
 

Liz also mentioned to me that her dog may be brought to the wedding for a briefly time.  I knew that would be a good moment to catch.
 

In addition I asked if there were any special traditions or family rituals that I needed to know about.  I was informed of a tradition on the grooms site where the groom would be forced to wear a chain with a cow bell locked around his neck through out the reception.
 

So, if you are a couple looking for engagement photos or wedding photographer, be certain the photographer you choose knows as much about you, the venue, ceremony and reception as possible.