Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora proved that some exes can indeed remain friends when they came together to celebrate their daughter Ava’s wedding over the weekend. The former couple, who called it quits nearly two decades ago, put any potential awkwardness aside to walk their 28-year-old daughter down the aisle in Montecito, California, on Saturday.
The reunion between the Bon Jovi guitarist and the actress, who were married from 1994 to 2007, drew significant attention from wedding guests and media outlets alike. However, according to sources who attended the ceremony, the atmosphere was far from tense.
A Graceful Reunion at Ava’s Special Day
The wedding of Ava Sambora to Tyler Farrar brought together family members who hadn’t been in the same room for years. Locklear, 64, and Sambora, 66, walked their only child down the aisle together, presenting a united front for their daughter’s milestone moment.
Guests at the Montecito ceremony reported that the former couple appeared completely at ease with one another. A wedding attendee spoke with Daily Mail, describing the dynamic between the exes as warm and amicable. The source emphasized that Sambora has consistently maintained a supportive stance toward Locklear, not only during their marriage but long after their separation.
Locklear looked stunning for the occasion, described by guests as appearing “solid” and “beautiful” in an elegant navy dress. She attended the wedding with her boyfriend Lorenzo Lamas, with whom she began a relationship in late 2025. Notably, Locklear and Lamas sat in the same row as Sambora during the ceremony, further underscoring the comfortable nature of the gathering.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Exes
What made the reunion particularly noteworthy was the depth of respect and care that has persisted between Locklear and Sambora despite their divorce. The insider revealed that Sambora played a crucial role during one of the most challenging periods in Locklear’s life.
During Locklear’s previous struggles with addiction, Sambora stepped up in a significant way. According to the source, the musician “was the one who hired the best physicians and medical team to get the help needed.” This demonstration of support came at a time when many would have simply walked away from a former partner.
The wedding guest further elaborated on Sambora’s consistent dedication, stating, “He was the first person always to support her and stand by her… [and] make sure she’s OK.” This sentiment paints a picture of a relationship that, while romantic in nature has ended, has evolved into something resembling lasting friendship and mutual care.
The source added that Sambora’s primary wish for his ex-wife is simple: happiness. “Richie’s a cool cat and Lorenzo is a cool dude. Richie just wants Heather to be happy,” the guest told the outlet.
New Companions, Same Family
While Locklear arrived with Lamas, Sambora also brought a special date to the wedding. He attended the nuptials with Orianthi, the acclaimed guitarist whom he previously dated from 2014 to 2018. The pair, described as “inseparable dear friends” by sources, appear to have rekindled their connection in recent years.
Orianthi, 41, accompanied Sambora to the wedding as his guest, and the two were seen together throughout the celebration. Their presence alongside Locklear and Lamas created an interesting dynamic of new relationships coexisting peacefully under one roof.
The wedding represented not just the union of Ava and Tyler Farrar, but also a demonstration of how families can navigate complex relationship histories with grace. Rather than allowing past grievances or the passage of time to create division, both Locklear and Sambora prioritized their daughter’s special day above any personal history.
A Family Built to Last
The wedding marked a significant milestone for the family that Locklear and Sambora built together. The couple welcomed Ava in 1994, the same year they married. Despite their separation in 2006 and final divorce in 2007, they maintained a co-parenting relationship that apparently laid the groundwork for their amicable reunion years later.
Ava, now 28, has grown up witnessing her parents’ ability to put their differences aside when it matters most. Walking her down the aisle together must have represented a full-circle moment for both Locklear and Sambora, who started their journey as parents nearly three decades ago.
The Montecito wedding brought together not just family, but also friends who have watched this family navigate the ups and downs of life in the public eye. Their ability to come together peacefully for their daughter’s big day sends a powerful message about maturity and the possibility of healing after heartbreak.
As Ava begins her new life with Tyler Farrar, she does so with the blessing and presence of both her parents, united in their love for her—even if their own romantic chapter closed years ago.
Key Moments from the Wedding
- The Processional: Both Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora walked Ava down the aisle together, presenting a united front for their daughter.
- The Attire: Locklear wore a navy dress that guests described as making her look “solid” and “beautiful.”
- Seating Arrangement: Locklear and her boyfriend Lorenzo Lamas sat in the same row as Sambora and his date Orianthi.
- Guest Dynamics: Sources reported a warm, non-awkward atmosphere between the former couple throughout the celebration.
- Support System: Sambora’s continued support for Locklear, especially during her health struggles, was highlighted by wedding guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora married?
The couple married in 1994 and welcomed their daughter Ava that same year. They announced their separation in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2007.
Who did Heather Locklear attend the wedding with?
Locklear attended the wedding with her boyfriend Lorenzo Lamas, with whom she began dating in late 2025.
Who accompanied Richie Sambora to the wedding?
Sambora attended the wedding with Orianthi, a guitarist he previously dated from 2014 to 2018. Sources describe them as “inseparable dear friends.”
How did guests describe the atmosphere between Locklear and Sambora?
Wedding guests described the reunion as “not awkward” and noted that the former couple was amicable throughout the ceremony. An insider emphasized that Sambora “always had [Locklear’s] back” even after their divorce.
The wedding of Ava Sambora and Tyler Farrar will be remembered not just as the start of a new marriage, but as a testament to the possibility of peaceful coexistence between former partners who share something far more important than their past relationship: their child.
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