A New Chapter for Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear
Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear have made a rare public appearance together, 20 years after their difficult divorce, to celebrate the wedding of their daughter, Ava. The former Bon Jovi guitarist and his Melrose Place actress ex-wife were both present at the nuptials held at the five-star hotel Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, California.
Ava Sambora, now 28, walked down the aisle with both her parents to marry Tyler Farrar, whom she was first linked to back in 2018. Sambora, who has a long history with music, wore a three-piece tuxedo for what appeared to be a black-tie wedding, while Locklear dazzled in a black halterneck gown.
It is reported that the 64-year-old actress attended the event with her actor boyfriend, Lorenzo Lamas, 68, marking one of their first public appearances as a couple. Despite their past difficulties, the pair have maintained an amicable relationship over the last two decades, prioritizing their daughter’s well-being.
During the ceremony, Sambora and Locklear sat in the same row, though they were separated by a woman believed to be accompanying Sambora. However, the nature of her relationship with him remains unknown.
A Celebration of Love and Family
The wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, with many guests sharing their joy on social media. One of Locklear’s friends, Juliet Walsh, posted a series of photos following the event, capturing the happy couple sealing their vows with a kiss and showing the beaming mother of the bride.
Walsh wasn’t the only one documenting the special day. The proud father of the bride, Richie Sambora, shared two short clips from the night on his own social media. One clip featured the DJ playing Sambora’s hit I’ll Always Walk Beside You as he and Ava danced during their daddy-daughter moment. The second clip showed the party singing their hearts out to the Bon Jovi hit Livin’ On A Prayer, which Sambora co-wrote.
The newlyweds announced their engagement on social media in February 2024, with a photo of Farrar on one knee and the couple surrounded by white roses. They captioned the post: “Hard launch!!”
A History of Love and Divorce
Locklear and Sambora welcomed their only daughter, Ava, in 1997, just three years after they married. Their marriage lasted 10 years before they announced their separation in 2004. Locklear filed for divorce in 2006, and their marriage was officially ended in 2007.
Very soon after their split, Sambora began a relationship with Locklear’s then best friend, Denise Richards. However, the Bond Girl, who had recently split from Charlie Sheen, denied any affair with Sambora.
In a 2014 interview, Sambora reflected on how he and Locklear managed to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their daughter. He told People magazine: “If you don’t get along, you are messing the kid up. That’s what happens. So you have to put that before whatever s*** is going on. Communication has got to come first.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Ava and Tyler begin their new life together, the presence of both parents at the wedding highlights the enduring bond between them. While their relationship may have ended, their commitment to their daughter has remained unwavering.
The event was not only a celebration of love but also a testament to the strength of family ties. With the support of their parents, Ava and Tyler take their first steps into a future filled with hope and happiness.
