A Beautiful New Beginning
The Christine Baumgartner wedding has captured hearts everywhere as the former model and handbag designer married financier Josh Connor in an intimate sunset ceremony that guests are calling “truly magical.”
The couple exchanged vows on October 18, 2025, at the picturesque Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Surrounded by approximately 100 close friends and family members, Christine and Josh began their new life together in a celebration that perfectly reflected their journey from friendship to love.
What makes this story even more interesting is that Josh was previously a friend within Kevin Costner’s social circle, adding an unexpected twist to Christine’s path to happiness after her high-profile divorce.
Understanding Christine’s Journey
Christine Baumgartner, 51, built a successful career as a handbag designer and former model long before becoming a household name through her marriage to Hollywood actor Kevin Costner. The couple was married for 18 years and shares three children: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace.
After filing for divorce in May 2023, Christine faced a very public separation that included court battles over child support and prenuptial agreements. The divorce was finalized in February 2024, with Christine receiving a $1.6 million settlement and shared custody arrangements.
Despite the challenging period, Christine remained focused on her children and her work, including her continued involvement with the OmniPeace Foundation, which brings music education to underserved communities.
Who is Josh Connor?
Josh Connor is a Santa Barbara-based financier who brings his own life experience to this new marriage. Like Christine, Josh is a parent who went through divorce and understands the complexities of blending families and starting over.
He has three children from his previous marriage: Lily, Abigail, and John. What began as a friendship during difficult times gradually evolved into something deeper as both Christine and Josh found they shared similar values, life experiences, and hopes for the future.
From Friends to Forever
The relationship between Christine and Josh began about three years ago when they connected as friends. Romance rumors first surfaced in July 2023 when the pair was spotted vacationing together in Hawaii, just months after Christine filed for divorce from Costner.
Initially keeping their relationship private, the couple was publicly seen together in January 2024, holding hands in Santa Barbara and clearly comfortable in each other’s company. By this point, it was evident to those around them that their connection had transformed from friendship into genuine romance.
The Proposal That Started It All
Josh proposed to Christine in January 2025 on a beach in Santa Barbara. According to sources close to the couple, Christine thought they were simply heading out for dinner when Josh surprised her with a beachside proposal.
The weather was threatening rain that day, which meant the beach was nearly empty—creating an unexpectedly intimate setting for the big moment. When Josh got down on one knee, Christine was completely taken by surprise. Friends say the couple was “over the moon” about the engagement and excited to plan their future together.
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Inside the Christine Baumgartner Wedding Ceremony
The wedding took place at Santa Ynez Ranch, a private vineyard nestled in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara. The outdoor ceremony was timed perfectly to take advantage of the golden hour, with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the entire celebration.
Guests described the atmosphere as “magical – truly” and “authentic, heartfelt, and so very them.” The intimate nature of the event, with only about 100 attendees, allowed everyone present to feel genuinely connected to the couple’s special moment.
The ceremony itself was emotional, with several guests admitting they shed happy tears as Christine and Josh exchanged their vows. One attendee shared that “Christine and Josh were glowing” and that witnessing their union felt “really precious.”
Christine’s Stunning Wedding Attire
For her wedding day, Christine chose not one but two spectacular designer gowns that perfectly captured different aspects of the celebration.
Her ceremony dress was created by renowned designer Mira Zwillinger. The strapless gown featured a romantic sweetheart neckline and was adorned with exquisite floral lace details. Hand-embroidered flowers covered the fabric, creating a garden-inspired aesthetic that complemented the outdoor vineyard setting. A small train added elegance to the silhouette.
For the reception, Christine changed into a second dress by designer Lihi Hod. This strapless white satin gown channeled old Hollywood glamour with a daring side slit that added a playful, modern touch to the classic elegance. The change allowed Christine to move more freely during the celebration while maintaining the sophisticated style she’s known for.
Josh’s Classic Wedding Style
Josh complemented Christine’s elegance with a custom-made black tuxedo that was perfectly tailored to his frame. With his hair slicked back in a timeless style, Josh embodied classic sophistication. His broad smile throughout the day, however, was the real statement—showing a man deeply in love and happy to be starting this new chapter.
A Weekend of Celebration
The Christine Baumgartner wedding wasn’t just a single-day event but rather a weekend celebration that allowed guests to truly connect and share in the couple’s joy.
The festivities began Friday night with a welcome celebration, giving out-of-town guests a chance to mingle and set the tone for the weekend. Saturday brought the main event—the ceremony and reception that guests are still talking about.
All six of the couple’s children from their previous marriages were present, a testament to how both families have come together to support this new union. Guests noted that the joy was “infectious” and that everyone seemed genuinely happy to be part of the celebration.
The Significance of the Venue
Christine’s choice of Santa Ynez Ranch held special meaning. The location is close to where she grew up, bringing a sense of home and history to the new beginning she was creating with Josh.
The private vineyard, surrounded by California’s natural beauty, provided an intimate setting that allowed the couple to celebrate without the pressure of a large, formal venue. The outdoor ceremony space took full advantage of the landscape, with the sunset providing natural drama and romance to an already emotional moment.
How This Wedding Differed from Her First
Christine’s first wedding to Kevin Costner in September 2004 was a much larger, more elaborate affair. While both weddings took place at ranch settings and both occurred in autumn, the scale and intention behind each celebration were distinctly different.
This time around, Christine opted for intimacy over grandeur. The smaller guest list and simpler approach reflected not just a different aesthetic preference but a different stage of life—one where authenticity and meaningful connections matter more than spectacle.
Navigating Life After Divorce
The divorce from Kevin Costner was undeniably difficult. Christine cited irreconcilable differences when she filed in May 2023, noting that the actual separation had occurred the previous month. The proceedings became quite public, with disagreements over child support, property division, and the enforcement of their prenuptial agreement making headlines.
Throughout this challenging period, Christine maintained her focus on what mattered most: her children and her work. She continued her involvement with charitable causes, including helping design a “Music Box” classroom in Long Beach for the OmniPeace Foundation—a space filled with instruments and art supplies where children can discover the transformative power of music.
This commitment to giving back and maintaining normalcy for her children helped Christine navigate one of the most difficult periods of her life with grace and dignity.
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Finding Love in Unexpected Places
What’s particularly touching about Christine and Josh’s story is how their relationship developed organically from genuine friendship. They weren’t looking for romance when they first met; they were simply two people navigating similar life challenges.
Both had experienced divorce. Both had children whose wellbeing came first. Both valued privacy and family. These shared experiences created a foundation of understanding that eventually blossomed into romantic love.
Josh was there during a difficult time in Christine’s life, offering support without expectations. This solid foundation of friendship gives their marriage a strength that’s evident to everyone who knows them.
Where Kevin Costner Stands Now
Kevin Costner, now 70, has moved forward with his own life. He’s been linked to Kelly Noonan Gores, a filmmaker and actress 24 years his junior. The two reportedly met through mutual friends and have been casually dating.
Despite the acrimony during their divorce proceedings, Kevin and Christine have shown they can come together when it matters for their children. They both attended their son’s recent graduation, though they kept their distance from each other. This ability to co-parent despite their personal history demonstrates maturity and commitment to their children’s wellbeing.
Blending Two Families
One of the most significant aspects of the Christine Baumgartner wedding is the joining of two families. Between them, Christine and Josh have six children—three from Christine’s marriage to Kevin and three from Josh’s previous marriage.
Blending families is never simple. It requires patience, communication, and a genuine commitment to creating space for everyone to feel valued and heard. The fact that all six children attended the wedding and supported their parents’ union suggests that Christine and Josh have approached this challenge thoughtfully.
Creating a successful blended family means recognizing that you’re not replacing anyone’s parent but rather expanding the circle of love and support around the children. It appears Christine and Josh understand this delicate balance.
What Guests Are Saying
The overwhelming sentiment from wedding guests has been one of genuine joy and celebration. Attendees couldn’t stop talking about the beautiful atmosphere, the palpable love between Christine and Josh, and how privileged they felt to witness such an intimate and meaningful ceremony.
Many guests noted they’d never seen Christine look happier. The radiance she displayed wasn’t just about the beautiful dresses or the picturesque setting—it came from a place of genuine contentment and excitement about her future with Josh.
Several guests mentioned that watching two people who had both experienced heartbreak find each other and choose to try again was deeply moving. It reminded everyone present that it’s never too late for a new beginning.
Social Media Response
News of the wedding spread quickly across social media platforms, with fans and followers offering congratulations and well-wishes. The general response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing happiness that Christine found love again after such a public and difficult divorce.
Fashion enthusiasts praised Christine’s dress choices, particularly noting how both gowns reflected her sophisticated personal style. The Mira Zwillinger ceremony dress and Lihi Hod reception gown quickly became topics of discussion in bridal fashion circles.
Some observers noted the interesting detail that Josh was previously within Kevin Costner’s social circle, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. However, most focused simply on celebrating Christine’s happiness and her courage to embrace a new chapter.
Life Lessons from Christine’s Story
Christine’s journey from the end of an 18-year marriage to finding love again offers several powerful lessons about resilience and hope.
First, it demonstrates that life doesn’t end when a marriage does. Even after nearly two decades together, even after building a family and a life with someone, it’s possible to start over and find happiness again.
Second, it shows the value of taking time to heal. Christine didn’t rush into a new relationship immediately after her separation. She focused on her children, her work, and her charitable endeavors, allowing herself the space to process the end of her marriage before opening her heart to new possibilities.
Third, it illustrates how the best relationships can grow from genuine friendship. Christine and Josh built their romance on a foundation of mutual understanding and shared values, creating a partnership that goes deeper than initial attraction.
Finally, it reminds us that courage comes in many forms. Choosing to love again after experiencing heartbreak requires vulnerability and bravery. Christine’s willingness to take that risk is inspiring.
Why This Wedding Resonates
Celebrity weddings typically generate interest simply because of the famous names involved. However, the Christine Baumgartner wedding resonates for different reasons.
People watched Christine go through a very public divorce. They saw the court battles, the headlines, the speculation. Many could relate to the pain of a relationship ending, even if their own situations weren’t played out in the media.
Now, seeing Christine happy again, glowing as she married someone who clearly loves and supports her, feels like a victory not just for her but for everyone who’s ever had to rebuild after heartbreak. It’s proof that endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings.
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Looking Toward the Future
As Christine and Josh begin their married life together, they do so with the wisdom that comes from life experience. They’re not naive newlyweds with unrealistic expectations. They’re two people who understand that relationships require work, that blending families takes patience, and that love is a choice you make every day.
Christine will continue her handbag design work and her charitable efforts with the OmniPeace Foundation. Josh will continue his finance career. Together, they’ll navigate the joys and challenges of raising six children in a blended family.
The future likely holds school events to attend, graduations to celebrate, and holidays to coordinate. It will include the ordinary moments that make up a life together—morning coffee, weeknight dinners, and quiet evenings at home—as well as extraordinary adventures they’ll share as a couple.
The Symbolism of Second Chances
Beyond the beautiful dresses and the picturesque venue, the Christine Baumgartner wedding represents something deeper: the possibility of second chances.
Both Christine and Josh experienced the pain of marriages that didn’t work out. They could have become cynical about love or decided that trying again wasn’t worth the risk. Instead, they chose hope over fear.
Their willingness to be vulnerable again, to open their hearts despite knowing how much it can hurt when relationships end, is genuinely courageous. It sends a message that past failures don’t have to define your future and that it’s never too late to write a new chapter in your life story.
Final Thoughts
The Christine Baumgartner wedding to Josh Connor was everything a wedding should be—a celebration of love, hope, and new beginnings. The intimate sunset ceremony at Santa Ynez Ranch provided the perfect backdrop for Christine and Josh to commit to their future together, surrounded by the people who matter most to them.
Christine’s journey from the end of her marriage to Kevin Costner to this joyful new chapter demonstrates remarkable resilience. She took time to heal, focused on her children and her work, and when love found her again, she was ready to embrace it.
The Christine Baumgartner wedding proves that life’s setbacks don’t have to be permanent. With time, self-reflection, and courage, it’s possible to find happiness again, sometimes in unexpected places and with unexpected people. The fact that Josh was once part of Kevin’s social circle adds an interesting twist to the story, but ultimately, what matters is the genuine connection he and Christine share.
As Christine and Josh begin their life together, blending their two families and building new traditions, they do so with the wisdom that comes from experience and the joy that comes from genuine love. Their story reminds us all that it’s never too late for a fresh start, that friendship can blossom into romance, and that choosing to love again after heartbreak is one of the bravest things we can do.
The Christine Baumgartner wedding was just the beginning of their forever, and if the celebration was any indication, that forever looks very bright indeed.