Heather Locklear's Daughter Ava Weds in Stunning Gown, Sparks Reactions Over Bold Choice — Photos

The young woman's outdoor wedding brought together two famous exes, a princess-worthy gown, and a Bon Jovi singalong, but it was one bold bridal choice and a father's changed appearance that got people talking.

Ava Sambora, 28, and investment associate Tyler Farrar said "I do" on May 16, 2026, at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, California. Her parents, Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora, were both present, and the photos left fans with a lot of strong opinions about the sheer dress, the dad, and everything in between.

Two Famous Parents, One Proud Moment

Heather and Richie's divorce was finalized in 2007 after a custody dispute in 2006, but both parents escorted their daughter down the aisle together. The actress chose a one-shouldered navy gown with a flowing scarf detail. The rock star was dressed in a classic black tux and glasses.

They both sat in the same row while watching their daughter tie the knot, and all eyes were truly on the bride. Ava leaned fully into a bridal princess look with a gown that was strapless with a structured corset bodice. The boning was visible by design, layered with white lace and beading that caught the light.

Additionally, her blonde hair was swept partially up, with a floor-length tulle veil attached at the back. The sheer skirt, though, is what divided the room.

The dress was also visible in a reception video Richie shared on his Instagram showing Ava and Tyler belting out "Livin' on a Prayer" as he sang with the wedding band. The rest of the crowd got in on it too, turning the reception into a full-room sing-along.

Given that Richie co-wrote the song with Jon Bon Jovi, it was a fitting, personal touch.

Fans React, and They Have Notes

Of course, the photos and the clip spread fast, and people had plenty to say. On Facebook, fans weighed in on everything from the gown to the groom's father-in-law.

The sheer skirt drew the most debate. "Can see right thru [sic] her dress skirt. Pretty bride," one person wrote.

Another asked, "Why would you wear a wedding dress you can see through?" A third added, "Her dress needed to be lined!!!" and someone followed up with, "Yes, more lining or was it what she wanted?"

One comment went further, sharing, "Things must be rough for them lately because they couldn't afford lining for the daughter's dress."

Not everyone agreed. "How gorgeous, love her dress," another fan countered, and on Instagram, one commenter wrote, "Ava is absolutely stunning. That smile says it all. The dress is incredible."

Several people also clocked the resemblance between mother and daughter, with one writing simply, "She's her mother's twin."

The Comments About Richie Sambora

The other topic running through the comments was Richie's appearance. Netizens who remembered him from his Bon Jovi peak had reactions ranging from genuine concern to outright surprise.

"Richie used to be really hot looking, not aging well at all..." one person wrote on Facebook. Another asked, "What is wrong with Richie Sambora?! 😲" while a third noted, "Sambora doesn't look healthy....wonder if he's ok.... [sic]" One kept it to the point, asking, "What is with his teeth ???"

On a separate Facebook post, the mood shifted. "Wow! Didn't recognize Richie at first 😬," wrote one person, while another pushed back with, "Richie still got it."

The photos below show exactly what sparked all of it, from the dress to the father of the bride himself:

But Ava actually attracted attention earlier this year during a pre-wedding event with Heather. As previously reported, a glowing snapshot of the seemingly perfect mother-daughter bond sent fans into a frenzy, with many stunned by the uncanny resemblance between the two.

The "Melrose Place" actress, 64, shared a photo featuring her Ava and prompting an emotional wave of reactions across social media.

A Proud Moment That Melted Hearts

The post, which captured a candid and joyful moment between mother and daughter, highlighted Heather's pride in Ava, a rare glimpse into a relationship she has largely kept out of the spotlight.

In response to one admirer who complimented the pair, Heather wrote, "I'm such a proud mama." The photo was from Ava's bridal shower earlier this year. In those moments, Heather appeared relaxed and smiling alongside her daughter, offering fans a heartwarming glimpse behind the curtain of her private life.

The response online was immediate and intense. Many couldn't get over how closely Ava resembles her famous mother, with some calling the similarity almost unbelievable.

One person wrote, "She is your twin just gorgeous both of you [sic]." Another commenter shared, "Your daughter in the second picture is a mini Heather with those eyes like her mom." A third added, "She is a beauty just like her mom!"

Others reflected on Ava's transformation over the years. One commenter wrote, "Your beautiful baby girl grew up to a gorgeous beautiful young lady." Another noted, "Ava 😢all grown up."

One person said, "Daughter looks like her dad." Another added, "Absolutely beautiful picture you have a mini Amanda Woodward." A third said, "Ava is a lovely, intelligent young woman."

A Life of Her Own and Major Milestones

While she may share her mother's striking looks, Ava has been quietly carving out her own path. She made her acting debut at a young age in "This Is 40" (2012), appearing alongside Maude Apatow.

But her ambitions didn't stop there. She stepped onto the runway during Los Angeles Fashion Weekend for her father's clothing line.

These days, however, Ava has taken a different direction, focusing on her education and achieving a major academic milestone. She earned a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, marking a significant accomplishment.

Her personal life has also blossomed, with earlier posts sharing glimpses of her engagement, giving followers insight into a new chapter unfolding away from Hollywood's glare.

From TV Icon to Enduring Star

Heather, born on September 25, 1961, in Westwood, California, rose to fame for her unforgettable role as Amanda Woodward on "Melrose Place," a defining drama of the 1990s.

Her presence on the show became pivotal. Reflecting on the role, Heather once said, "Amanda was celebrated." During a recent cast reunion, co-star Courtney Thorne-Smith admitted the series was "in a lot of danger of being canceled" before Heather joined.

However, the actress brushed off the praise at the time. "I wasn't saving it, I just wanted a job," she said. The cast also recalled how they didn't initially grasp the scale of their fame — until one defining moment. Heather reflected on appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone, saying, "This is awesome."

A Difficult Past That Still Lingers

Despite the glamorous career, Heather's life has not been without its struggles. In 2018, she entered addiction treatment, according to a source close to her.

A friend said at the time, "Everyone hopes she gets well, that she gets better." The same source added, "Hopefully she is getting the help she needs."

These challenges were part of a turbulent period that included legal issues and repeated attempts to seek help.

Fans Rally Around a 'Stronger' Star

In addition to praising her daughter, many fans turned their attention back to Heather herself, noting her appearance and what they described as a remarkable transformation.

One person wrote, "Heather you still look absolutely stunning you haven't changed since Melrose place [sic]." Another commented, "Still so beautiful." A third added, "Heather never ages!"

Others focused on her well-being. One commenter shared, "Heather looks wonderful. So much healthier than in the past." Another wrote, "Good to see Heather back healthy." A third said, "Stunning ladies! ✨ Heather Locklear looks so radiant."

A Bond That Speaks Volumes

While Heather Locklear's career has spanned decades, it's moments like these that seem to resonate most.

The recent post shifts the focus from Hollywood fame to something far more intimate: a mother's pride and an unbreakable bond.

And as fans continue to watch her journey unfold, one thing is clear: the connection between mother and daughter has become a story in its own right, drawing admiration for both their closeness and their shared presence.