One Year of Shutter and Compass: Travel, Photography, and Adventures Around the World

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Shutter and Compass was nothing more than two best friends daydreaming about how we could combine our passions for travel, storytelling, and photography. Today, that dream is a thriving travel and lifestyle brand filled with blog posts, podcasts, social media content, and unforgettable adventures.

Shutter and Compass is the result of two photographers—Shelby and Megan—who wanted to share more than just pretty pictures. Megan, with a background as a travel agent, realized that her true calling wasn’t booking trips but living them, documenting them, and inspiring others to follow their wanderlust. With Shelby’s photography expertise and shared love of exploration, the path became clear: create a platform where our imagery, words, and voices could transport people into the heart of travel.

At its core, Shutter and Compass is:

• A travel blog and podcast filled with tips, stories, and insights. Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? If not, this is an open invitation!

• A content creation hub for businesses who want to showcase their experiences, services, or destinations with a professional and creative touch.

• A photography brand that thrives on capturing detail, emotion, and adventure.

• A community for travelers—especially women ages 25–55 who are inspired by exploration, luxury travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our Facebook Group is growing to be a wealth of knowledge for newbie travelers and experienced alike.

Whether we’re highlighting a charming winery in Virginia, sailing the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages, or racing through Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, our goal is the same: to bring our imagery and storytelling to the masses and help others discover the beauty and excitement waiting for them.

October 2024

Just one year ago, at the Shutter and Compass Launch Party at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm! Grateful for Sunshine Ridge and Maria Rafferty who graciously allowed us to celebrate there — and Maria and Sunshine were the first official video published!
Grateful for so many who came out to support and offer services, including Ofe Cox and her team at Love Wedding & Events, and Ester Malinowski, of Castle Drive Flowers. We couldn’t do what we do without support from our amazing small business family!

Local Adventures: The Best of the DMV and Northern Virginia

This past year, we leaned into our own backyard and discovered how much there is to see and do right here in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.

We’ve highlighted some of the region’s most beloved spots:

• Lark Brewing Co - A relatively new local gem that we LOVE hanging out at! Great for relaxing weekends or weeknights, and family friendly.

• Stone Tower Winery – A gorgeous backdrop for wine lovers, where rustic charm meets rolling hills.

• The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm – A hidden gem on the water with a welcoming community and a perfect sunset view. Maria and her team are fantastic, and we’ll always love our adults only time to just chill with a lake view.

• The People’s House in Washington, D.C. – A unique space blending history, architecture, and a sense of national pride. As it’s only a year old, this was a perfect way to check out some of what DC h as to offer, without the craziness.

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Ghost Tour – An after-dark adventure that revealed the spooky (and fascinating) history of Old Town Alexandria.

• Nationals Game from a rooftop — yes, please!

• We didn’t forget the winter festivities - between the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Hi Lawn’s Northern Lights Dome Experience on Union Market’s rooftop, we had it covered with unique and fun visual outings.

And that’s just to name a few amazing opportunities for local travel we’ve enjoyed. Our local content has reached tens of thousands of views and proved that people are hungry to explore what’s right outside their front door. We also had the immense honor of video hosting the opening for one of our favorite local charities, Boxes of Basics. How incredible is it to have people, friends, and groups acknowledge all that we are doing, even as a brand new business?! Truly, we love being able to support our community, and this was a fantastic opportunity to help shed light on the issue of clothing insecurity.

Besties doing what we do…for our favorite charity.

Blessed to be asked by Sarah Tyndall of Boxes of Basics to open for their Dueling Keys for a Cause event. While we were still quite new to being “public” and on video, we got out of our comfort zones and went for it! It was a blast, and using our skills for charity was an honor.

Learn more about Boxes of Basics, volunteer, or donate here: https://boxesofbasics.org

Thank you to Tammy with Sweetheart Photo Booths - so great finally connecting on this special evening!

International Travel: Cruising the Caribbean

Internationally, we spent time in the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, sailing to some of the most stunning islands in the world. From San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Maarten, we captured and shared a “sample size” of each destination. This particular cruise was either our 2nd (Shelby) or 3rd (Megan) cruise with Virgin, and let us say — we are fans. For adult cruising. Otherwise, I think we’d go Disney all the way!

Cruising allows us to experience beaches, local culture, and community life in quick snapshots—whether it’s soaking up the sun, tasting fresh island flavors, or wandering cobblestone streets. And the beauty is, if a place captures our hearts (and many of these islands did), we know we can always go back for a longer stay. Megan will be heading back to Jost van Dyke in February and is excited about the opportunity to bring you images and stories from our favorite island!! Truly, it’s a must-do.

Our podcasts and videos about Virgin Voyages have inspired others to consider cruising as their next vacation. It’s a lifestyle we’ve fallen in love with—relaxing, adventurous, and filled with stories to tell. We are also thrilled to share that we’ve opened up our podcasts to include guest speakers to share guidance and experiences, and you’ll want to keep listening for more!

National Travel: A Day at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe

Closer to home, we traveled to Florida to experience the newest Universal theme park: Epic Universe. Even though we had only one day, we made it count, traveling through each portal and fully immersing ourselves in the magic.

Highlights included:

• Helios Grand Hotel – Elegant and stunning, a luxurious anchor to the park. We highly recommend this amazing hotel if you can swing it. Yes, it’s expensive, and there’s no real way around that. But the ease of getting into and out of the park, plus the captivating views makes it worth it. At least once.

• Ministry of Magic (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – A stunningly detailed expansion that transports you straight into the magical heart of Harry Potter’s world. From intricate architecture to immersive storytelling, this new land is a must-see for fans who want to step inside the Ministry itself.

• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) – Shelby met Toothless (a true bucket-list moment!) and we all felt like Vikings flying through the skies. From the moment you walk in to see this “Isle”…you are fully immersed. It’s not just magical, it’s transformative. You’ll walk right alongside your favorite HTTYD characters!

• Mario World (Super Nintendo World) – Our teenagers were in heaven, racing through Donkey Kong, meeting Luigi, and dining at Toadstool Café. The only thing we all wish we had more of — time in the park!

• Dark Universe – Creepy, thrilling, and a must-see for fans of Universal’s iconic monsters. Truth be told, we weren’t ‘as’ excited about this Universe. That said - it was VERY well done. Go at night. You’ll thank us.

• Celestial Park – A beautifully designed hub that ties everything together. The food, the atmosphere and the Stardust Racers Coaster are all fantastic! Again, the ONLY thing we needed at Epic was more time.

We were especially impressed with Universal’s attention to dietary needs, making it easy for allergy-conscious families to enjoy their visit. And beyond the rides and restaurants, we treasured the chance to create memories with our children—whether they’re small kids or (like ours) 19-year-old college students who still light up at the magic of theme parks.

Beyond Epic Universe, we also spent two regular park days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These days were packed with thrills, from riding the heart-pounding VelociCoaster to soaking in every magical detail of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal always delivers when it comes to immersive worlds and adrenaline-pumping attractions, and it’s a destination we never get tired of returning to.

We also dedicated a full week to Walt Disney World. While Universal is our go-to for big-kid rides and roller coasters, Disney will forever hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts. We are, and always will be, Disney kids at heart—captivated by the magic, the storytelling, and the joy that fills every corner of the parks. From Cinderella’s Castle to EPCOT evenings, Disney remains a place where our family makes memories that last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shutter and Compass

While our first year has been filled with growth, exploration, and storytelling, we’re just getting started. Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting projects and collaborations that we can’t wait to share with you.

And looking further ahead, we’re thrilled to announce our First Annual Shutter and Compass Group Trip to Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2026! We’ll be partnering with our friend and travel expert, Kristen Faye Alfred (@Travel.With.Kristen), to host an unforgettable all-inclusive getaway. If you’ve been inspired by our travels and want to experience the Shutter and Compass community in person, this is your chance. Whether you join us for the full group experience or simply want an excuse to escape to Jamaica, we’d love to see you there.

Thank You for a Wonderful First Year

This journey would not be possible without all of you—our readers, listeners, collaborators, and fellow travelers. Your encouragement and support have helped Shutter and Compass grow from an idea into a brand that inspires, connects, and creates. And, in our first year, we are honored to have even won our very first award! Each year, Inside Nova hosts a competition, and we are beyond grateful to have won The Best of Prince William County - Best Blogger Award. Seriously, y’all. Pinch us!! We love what we do, and we are blessed to share it with an audience who supports and encourages our work.

Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more memories in the year ahead. ✨

Creating Family Traditions Through Travel: Why Vacations Matter More Than Ever

This summer, Shutter and Compass packed our bags for one of our biggest adventures yet. Megan and Shelby, along with their families—six teenagers and two husbands in tow—headed to Florida to experience the brand-new Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Orlando, plus time at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and all four Walt Disney World parks.

To say it was EPIC just doesn’t do it justice.

Yes, it was a work trip (we’re already preparing guides and tips for Epic Universe!), but it was also a chance to slow down, laugh until our cheeks hurt, and make lasting memories with our families—especially with our oldest teens now 19. How many 19 year-olds do you know who willfully spend quality vacation time with the family still?!! We soaked in every moment.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about who you go with and the traditions you create along the way.

Why Travel Traditions Matter

For Megan’s family, Disney has been a thread woven into their story. Living close to Disneyland meant multiple visits over the years—park days filled with churros, fireworks, and watching her kids grow from toddlers on Dumbo to teens conquering Space Mountain. Those shared trips became a family tradition, one that has created lasting bonds.

Shelby’s family story looks a little different, but the heart is the same. After falling in love with all things Disney—Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and even Disney Cruises—her family decided to join the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in 2019.

What is Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

Think of DVC as Disney’s version of a timeshare—but much more flexible. Members purchase points that can be used for stays at DVC resorts, Disney’s deluxe hotels, or even adventures around the globe through Disney’s travel partners. It’s a way to guarantee future vacations while giving families the freedom to decide when and where to travel. For Shelby, DVC was an investment in tradition—ensuring that Disney magic can be passed down to her kids for years to come.

And here’s the truth: it’s never too early to start traveling with your kids.

Shelby’s first Disney trip with her children included a five-year-old and a one-year-old. Did the one-year-old remember it? No. But the family sure does. The sparkle in his eyes, the way he lit up at the sights and sounds—all of those tiny magical moments are etched into the family’s hearts. That’s the beauty of travel: sometimes the memories belong more to the parents, but they still shape the family’s story.

Big Vacations Aren’t the Only Vacations

We’ll be the first to admit—we love the big, splashy theme park trips. But you don’t have to go cross-country or across the world to create unforgettable family traditions. Some of the best vacations are the ones that become simple, annual getaways:

✨ A long weekend at the beach. Whether it’s the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, or a hidden coastal gem, families return year after year to sandy toes, seashell hunts, and sunset walks.

✨ A mountain retreat. Renting a cozy cabin in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains can be just as magical. Hiking, roasting marshmallows, and sitting by the fire—those moments stick.

✨ An annual road trip. Pick a destination within driving distance (a favorite small town, a local amusement park, or a state park) and make it a yearly tradition. The drive itself often becomes part of the fun!

The destination doesn’t matter as much as the commitment to go. What your kids will remember is the laughter, the games, the food stops, and the shared adventures.

Travel Shapes Families—and Kids’ Futures

As our audience continues to get to know us, you’ll see that for both Megan and Shelby, travel is about so much more than vacations. Travel opens minds, sparks curiosity, and creates connections—to new places, new cultures, and most importantly, to each other.

When families prioritize travel—whether it’s Disney or a quick beach weekend—they’re investing in something bigger than a trip. They’re teaching their kids that it’s okay to pause the chaos of life, step into something different, and create memories that last far beyond the vacation itself.

Shutter and Compass

Magic Kingdom 2025

The Bekkedahl’s (minus 1)

and

The Whites (plus 1)

Also, Photo Credit goes to the photographers at Disney!
We highly recommend the Photo Pass/Memory Maker.

Did you know you can get a discount if you’re military?
More information HERE

Final Thoughts

Our trip to Orlando this summer was unforgettable—Epic Universe, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all gave us moments we’ll never forget. But what made it truly magical was sharing it with our families.

So here’s our encouragement to you: start your own travel traditions. They don’t have to be big or expensive. They just need to be yours.

Because when the kids are grown, and the photos are tucked away in albums, you’ll realize those vacations weren’t just trips. They were the heartbeat of your family story.
Also, if you’re wondering what all the fuss is over EPIC (and Universal and Disney, if you haven’t been)…we got you covered! We’ll be deep diving into our trip with fun anecdotes, tips, and so much more!!