Less than two years after her highly publicized split from Hollywood legend Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner has officially moved on — and in a big way.
Over the weekend, the 50-year-old designer tied the knot with Josh Connor, a financier who also happens to be a former friend of her ex-husband.
The wedding, held at the scenic Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, was an intimate affair surrounded by sunshine, laughter, and about 100 of the couple’s closest friends and family.
A Magical Day Filled with Joy and Laughter
Guests described the event as “magical” and “deeply heartfelt.”
One attendee told People: “The setting was gorgeous, but what made it special was the intimacy of it all. It wasn’t a big Hollywood production — it felt real and emotional.
Everyone there knew they were witnessing something precious.”
Another guest added that the celebration was filled with joy from start to finish.
“The laughter was infectious, from the welcome party on Friday to the last dance on Saturday night.
Christine and Josh were glowing. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room during the ceremony.”
A Bride with Grace and Style
Christine looked stunning in a custom gown designed by Mira Zwillinger, before later changing into a sleek white satin strapless dress by Lihi Hod for the reception.
According to friends, the newlyweds are most excited about “building an authentic, joy-filled life together” and “embracing the peace of this new beginning.”
Their romance may have faced scrutiny, but those closest to them insist that Christine and Josh share a deep connection rooted in friendship, trust, and shared values.
From Divorce to a New Beginning
Christine’s engagement to Josh was first announced in January 2025, nearly two years after she filed for divorce from Kevin Costner following 19 years of marriage.
The proposal reportedly took place on a quiet Santa Barbara beach, just before a rainstorm.
“Almost no one else was around,” a source told People. “It was intimate and romantic — perfectly them.”
Their families, already close, were not surprised. “They spent Christmas together where it all began,” the insider shared.
“They’re over the moon and so excited for the future.”
A Difficult Chapter with Kevin Costner
Baumgartner’s split from Costner in May 2023 was anything but smooth.
The divorce battle stretched on for months with disputes over child and spousal support, and intense courtroom exchanges that made headlines worldwide.
Christine had argued that their children were accustomed to a life of luxury, saying that their “affluent lifestyle” was “in their DNA.”
Despite her appeals, a judge upheld the couple’s prenuptial agreement — leaving her entitled to a $1.5 million lump sum and one year of mortgage payments on a new home worth up to $1 million.
Costner, meanwhile, was ordered to pay $63,209 per month in child support — far less than the $165,000 Christine originally requested.
Life After a Painful Separation
After the split, Christine was asked to move out of Costner’s $145 million Carpinteria compound, while she focused on co-parenting their three children — Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14.
By mid-2023, she was spotted vacationing in Hawaii with Josh Connor, a divorced father of three who had once been Costner’s neighbor and friend.
Their relationship was confirmed publicly in January 2024, and although reports suggested Kevin suspected something between them, sources said their romantic connection only blossomed after the separation.
Love After Heartache
Insiders described Christine and Josh’s love as “the real thing,” telling Page Six that Christine was “so in love after staying in a tough marriage for far too long for her children’s sake.”
Friends say she’s now “beyond happy” and grateful to be with someone who shares her same values and emotional maturity.
As one friend put it, “Josh was her rock during the divorce.
If Kevin has an issue with that, that’s his problem. Christine has finally found peace.”
Kevin Costner Moves Forward Too
As for Kevin Costner, the Oscar-winning actor has also been focused on rebuilding his life.
He was briefly linked to singer Jewel in late 2023 — a rumor both firmly denied. “Jewel and I are friends — we’ve never gone out.
Ever,” Costner clarified in an interview with The Howard Stern Show. “She’s special, and I don’t want rumors to ruin our friendship.”
In later interviews, Kevin reflected on the emotional toll of the split.
Speaking to CBS Mornings in June 2024 while promoting his film Horizon, he admitted: “That’s a crushing moment.
It hurt. But I have to go forward. My children are looking at me, so I can’t wilt like a daisy.”
Two Separate Lives, One Shared Past
Both Costner and Baumgartner appear to have found new paths — and while their marriage ended painfully, they remain united by their commitment to their children.
Christine’s fairytale wedding to Josh Connor marks a new beginning, one defined not by fame or fortune, but by peace and authenticity.
For a woman who once described herself as “mentally strong and family-focused,” this moment feels like the fresh start she’d been waiting for.