Nicole Richie is married to Joel Madden, the lead vocalist of the rock band Good Charlotte. They have been married since December 11, 2010, after being together for several years. The couple met in 2006 and share two children, daughter Harlow (born in 2008) and son Sparrow (born in 2009). Their wedding was an intimate affair held at Lionel Richie’s estate in Los Angeles, attended by close friends and family
. Joel Madden has described their relationship as very supportive and loving, noting that they go to "lots of therapy" to maintain their marriage. Nicole has described Joel as shy, which initially made him somewhat mysterious to her, but their shared values and goals brought them together despite being "polar opposites" at first
