As the second part of our New Orleans journey unfolded, Jared, Jen and I left the charming Catahoula Hotel, a contemporary boutique hotel with a storied past, and ventured into the bustling heart of the French Quarter. The day was unusually hot, even for New Orleans, with the sultry air hanging heavy like a damp curtain. We found our only respite from the heat when we managed to grab an air-conditioned streetcar.

Streetcars in New Orleans are not just a mode of transport, they are a historic emblem of the city. They have been a part of the city's landscape since the mid-1800s, their tracks crisscrossing the city like veins. The St. Charles Avenue Line, for instance, is the oldest continuously operated street railway system in the world.

However, the most scenic and vintage streetcars didn't have the luxury of air-conditioning. Instead, they offered charming wooden interiors, clanging bells and a gentle breeze that swept in through the windows as the streetcar trundled along. It was fascinating to watch the train conductor manipulate the antique controls, starting and stopping the streetcar with practiced ease.

As the heat of the day continued unabated, we all began to feel like we were slowly being cooked under the relentless sun. So, after a few hours of exploring and capturing the city's unique spirit, we unanimously decided to call it a day and reconvene the next afternoon for an evening session. The evening light in New Orleans has its magic, and I eagerly anticipated capturing Jared and Jen in it. Those images, though, will feature in the third part of their New Orleans engagement sessions.