NEED TO KNOW
Megan Jenkins married Cooper Jackson on Nov. 8, 2025, in Oeiras, PortugalAhead of the ceremony, the bride shared an emotional first look with her 9-year-old daughter, AvaA clip of the heartwarming moment went viral on Instagram
A bride’s touching first look with her daughter captured countless hearts online.
Shortly before Megan Jenkins’ wedding ceremony to Cooper Jackson on Nov. 8, 2025, in Oeiras, Portugal, the bride had a special first look with her 9-year-old daughter, Ava. The tear-jerking moment was so moving that it pulled the heartstrings of thousands of strangers online, as a clip from the first look went viral on Instagram with nearly 50,000 likes.
“For as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be 🤍,” Jenkins wrote in the caption of the heartwarming video, which was filmed by Cortni Mathis with Haus of Taúte. The line is from the beloved children’s book Love You Forever, which was written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw.
Playing in the background of the clip was Evan Rachel Wood’s “All Is Found” from Frozen 2, a tender lullaby Jenkins sang to Ava when she was little.
Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE, Jenkins shares that she felt a mix of excitement and nerves leading up to the big moment. However, she never expected Ava to become so emotional, breaking down in tears at the sight of her mother in her wedding dress.
“She completely caught me off guard,” Jenkins says. “I always say she is the sweetest part of me and she really surprised me with all of her little emotions!”
Megan Jenkins and Cooper Jackson with daughter Ava.
Júlio Paladino Photography | @juliopaladinophotography
In the video, Jenkins’ bridal party was lined up outside with Ava standing in the center. Everyone eagerly awaited to see Jenkins all dolled up for her “I dos.”
“My daughter hadn’t seen my wedding dress yet, so it was a big surprise for her,” Jenkins notes.
As Jenkins slowly stepped out wearing an off-the-shoulder gown from Lillian Ruth Bridecustom-altered by Jordyn White and styled by Nupt Stylingeveryone gasped and clapped. Ava then emerged from the group, walking straight to her mother with a red face and tears in her eyes. The pair then shared several sweet hugs.
Megan Jenkins’ first look with her daughter and bridal party.
Júlio Paladino Photography | @juliopaladinophotography
“It was a really sentimental moment,” remembers Jenkins, whose hair and makeup was done by Catarina Duque.
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She continues, “The wedding happens so quickly, and it genuinely flies by, but I do remember telling her I love her and I was so glad she was there to celebrate with me. She had helped me pick and plan so much, it was really fun to have her be so involved, and getting to take her to another country and on her first international trip was something we will remember forever.”
Cooper Jackson and Megan Jenkins with their wedding party.
Júlio Paladino Photography | @juliopaladinophotography
The remainder of the celebration was just as special.
“I really don’t believe I could ever put into words how special our day was,” Jenkins gushes. “We had the best time with our family and friends, and having Ava there made everything even more special.”
She adds, “Is it cliché to say it was the best weekend ever? We had 45 of our closest friends and family gather and spend a weekend in Portugal. We celebrated our love story with our favorite people in a gorgeous destination with incredible food and drinks. We wanted to incorporate our favorite things from our relationship, like music, places we have been together and our favorite colors. It was really fun to see everyone come together dancing and celebrating Cooper and me.”
Cooper Jackson and Megan Jenkins.
Júlio Paladino Photography | @juliopaladinophotography
Jenkins and Jackson first connected during the pandemic on the dating app Bumble. The couple instantly “clicked,” and Jackson quickly became “the one constant and steady” in Jenkins and Ava’s lives.
“Ava had just turned 5 when she met Cooper for the first time, and he let her paint his nails, so he was an instant winner in Ava’s book,” Jenkins shares.
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