Christine Baumgartner’s New Chapter Begins In Santa Barbara

After a long and painful end to her marriage with Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, former model Christine Baumgartner has officially moved on, and in the most beautiful way.

The 51-year-old married financier Josh Connor in a romantic ceremony at Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

The intimate event, attended by close family and friends, marked not only a new beginning for Baumgartner but also a peaceful close to one of Hollywood’s most talked-about divorces.

It was a day filled with love, laughter, and tears of joy as Costner’s ex-wife and Josh Connor tied the knot on Saturday, October 18, at a private vineyard in Santa Barbara, the same area where Baumgartner was raised.

The outdoor ceremony took place just before sunset, surrounded by 100 guests, including their children.

“It was magical — truly,” a guest told PEOPLE. “The setting was gorgeous, but what made it special was the intimacy of it all. This wasn’t a big production. It was authentic, heartfelt, and so very them.”

Another attendee added, “The joy and laughter were infectious, from the welcome celebration Friday night to the last dance Saturday evening. Christine and Josh were glowing. And there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd during the ceremony.”

For her big day, Baumgartner stunned in a custom gown by Mira Zwillinger decorated with hand-embroidered flowers and a sweetheart neckline.

For the reception, she changed into a strapless satin dress by Lihi Hod with a delicate side slit.

On the other hand, her new husband opted for a classic black tuxedo.

The couple planned an entire weekend for their loved ones, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed, family-centered celebration.

However, according to a guest, the most exciting part of the celebration for the couple was the joy of building a simple yet authentic life afterward.

“For the couple, the most exciting part is simply building an authentic, joy-filled life together. They are embracing the peace of this new beginning — focusing on the everyday moments that matter most,” they shared.

Before finding happiness again, Baumgartner endured one of Hollywood’s most publicized divorces.

She filed to end her 18-year marriage to Kevin Costner in May 2023, citing irreconcilable differences.

The split came as a shock to many, including the actor himself, who later called it “a crushing moment,” admitting, “My children are looking at me so I can’t wilt like a daisy.”

The divorce quickly turned tense. Both sought joint custody of their three children, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace.

Baumgartner argued that their kids had grown accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle, calling it “in their DNA.”

After months of legal wrangling, she was awarded $63,209 per month in child support, far less than the $165,000 she had requested.

The court also upheld their prenuptial agreement, which entitled the handbag designer to a $1.5 million payout and one year of mortgage payments on a new home worth up to $1 million.

In addition, Baumgartner was ordered to vacate Costner’s $145 million Carpinteria compound two months after filing.

Not long after her split, Baumgartner was spotted with Connor, one of Costner’s former friends and neighbors.

The pair were first seen together in Hawaii in July 2023, sparking speculation about their relationship.

While Costner was reportedly “hurt,” insiders said his ex-wife had already emotionally moved on.

A source revealed that Connor was a source of strength for Baumgartner during the divorce ordeal, which led to the start of their romance.

The pair’s relationship was confirmed in January 2024 and after one year of dating, Connor popped the question.

He proposed in a quiet Santa Barbara beach moment on January 26, 2025.

“It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee,” a source told PEOPLE.

While Christine Baumgartner begins her next chapter, Kevin Costner has also focused on healing and fatherhood.

He admitted the breakup was painful but said his seven children helped him stay grounded.

“I have to continue to be who I am and to keep a special eye on who they are,” he said during an interview on CBS Mornings in June 2024.

Though briefly linked to singer Jewel a few months prior, both denied romance rumors, with the 70-year-old revealing that they were just friends and hadn’t even gone out on a date.

As for Baumgartner, she is channeling her energy into family life and philanthropy.

She remains active with the OmniPeace Foundation, helping fund music education for children in need.

According to friends, she’s “beyond happy to be in a committed and loving relationship with someone who shares her same values.”