Samboras Awkward Encounter at Daughters Wedding

Rockstar Richie Sambora fought back tears all weekend long as his only daughter to husband Tyler Farrar in Montecito, .

'He was emotional the whole day. His family is Ava,' a wedding guest told the Daily Mail exclusively of the Bon Jovi rocker, 66.

But despite the waterworks welling up in his eyes, when it came time for Sambora to see his ex-wife, , and her new boyfriend, he put on a brave face.

We're told it had likely been years since the exes - who were married from 1994 to 2007 - last saw each other in person, but it was not awkward at all.

'He’s always had her back. Not only when they were married, but even as her ex,' the guest and longtime friend of the family said. 

'He’s been the first person always to support her and stand by her. But more importantly, lead to make sure she’s OK.' 

Sambora and Locklear called it quits after more than a decade of marriage in 2006 and were embroiled in a contentious custody battle for a year after. 

Following their divorce, Locklear struggled with , but the insider claimed Sambora was always there for the mother of his child.

'He’s the one who hired the best physicians and medical team to get her the help she needed,' the longtime pal told the Daily Mail.

Locklear - who has been sober for more than five years - looked 'solid' and 'beautiful' at her daughter's nuptials in a form-fitting black dress.

The blond bombshell, 64, was accompanied by fellow '80s heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas, whom since April.   

'Richie’s a cool cat and Lorenzo is a cool dude. Richie just wants Heather to be happy,' the wedding guest said of Sambora's thoughts on the new couple.

The insider noted that while Locklear and Lamas, 68, 'looked strong,' they said it is 'way too early to tell' if the matriarch is next to walk down the aisle.

We're told that everyone - - is supportive of Locklear's new relationship because 'everybody honors how Heather feels.'

The guest said that Sambora's encounter with the new lovebirds could have been uncomfortable had he shown up to the wedding solo - but he had a date.

The You Give Love a Bad Name songwriter brought Australian guitarist Orianthi - whom he previously  - as his plus one.

'They’re inseparable dear friends,' the longtime friend said before sharing that it appears Sambora and Orianthi are 'rekindling' their romance once again.

Sambora brought his 'rekindled' flame Orianthi as his plus one for the wedding. The two recently performed together at the Unbridled Eve Gala for the Kentucky Derby