It was a family reunion more than two decades in the making as Heather Locklear and her ex-husband Richie Sambora came together over the weekend to celebrate their daughter Ava Sambora’s romantic Montecito wedding.
The former couple, who divorced in 2007 after 13 years of marriage, put aside the past to support their only child as she married fiancé Tyler Farrar in a stunning seaside ceremony surrounded by family and close friends.
Held in sun-drenched Montecito, California, the elegant celebration blended old Hollywood glamour with deeply personal moments, including a heartfelt father-daughter dance that had guests emotional.
© InstagramDespite their split nearly two decades ago, Heather and Richie appeared united as proud parents throughout the celebration.
The exes posed arm-in-arm with their daughter on the manicured lawn, smiling warmly for family photographs as Ava beamed between them.
© InstagramHeather, 64, looked radiant in a sleek black halter gown featuring modern cut-out detailing at the neckline, while Richie, 66, traded his signature rockstar leather for a classic black tuxedo.
Joining Heather at the wedding was her longtime boyfriend, Lorenzo Lamas, who attended the festivities by her side.
During the ceremony, Heather and Richie sat in the same row to watch their daughter exchange vows, proving that family remained the priority on Ava’s special day.
© InstagramAva Sambora looked every inch the classic bride in a romantic off-the-shoulder lace gown complete with a full skirt, delicate train and flowing veil.
Her groom, Tyler Farrar, wore a timeless black tuxedo with a bow tie as the pair exchanged vows in front of loved ones.
© InstagramLater in the evening, guests watched the newlyweds share a kiss on the dance floor as a live band played behind them inside the lavish reception space draped in white fabric and overflowing with flowers.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came during Richie and Ava’s father-daughter dance.
Before stepping onto the dance floor, Ava proudly told guests: "My dad wrote this song."
© FilmMagicThe pair then danced to Richie’s sentimental track I’ll Always Walk Beside You, leaving many guests visibly moved.
The Bon Jovi guitarist later shared clips from the reception on Instagram, including videos of Ava and Tyler singing along to Livin’ On A Prayer as Richie joined the wedding band on stage.
In another sweet social media tribute, Richie posted a slideshow of father-daughter moments soundtracked by the same emotional ballad from their dance.
While Ava initially followed in her famous parents’ footsteps with acting roles in films and television series including This Is 40 and Fresh Off The Boat, she has more recently shifted her focus toward mental health and therapy.
© Getty ImagesAccording to reports, Ava earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola Marymount University before completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the University of Southern California. Her new husband currently works as an investment associate at a Los Angeles real estate firm.
The couple reportedly began dating several years ago before Tyler proposed during a romantic sunset beach proposal in February 2024. At the time, the pair shared photos of the engagement online alongside the caption: "Hard launch!"
