Christine Baumgartner and Josh Connor tied the knot on October 18 at the Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, marking a new chapter following Baumgartner’s separation from actor Kevin Costner. The couple’s outdoor ceremony, held just before sunset, gathered over 100 guests as they celebrated their union.
A Private Celebration in Santa Barbara
The 51-year-old Baumgartner looked radiant in a custom Mira Zwillinger gown featuring delicate hand-embroidered flowers. For the reception, she changed into a white satin strapless dress designed by Lihi Hod. Connor, who is also 51, wore a custom-tailored black tuxedo, complementing the elegant affair amid the scenic California ranch setting.
From Divorce Proceedings to New Beginnings
Baumgartner began her divorce from Costner in May 2023, citing irreconcilable differences after nearly 20 years of marriage. The finalization of their divorce occurred in 2024. The former couple share three children: sons Cayden, 18, and Hayes, 16, along with daughter Grace, 15. Besides these children, Costner has additional children from prior marriages, including daughters Annie, 41, Lily, 39, son Joe, 37, and son Liam, 28.
Connor, a financier and a longtime friend of Costner, sparked early speculation about his relationship with Baumgartner after they were seen together in Hawaii in 2023. During the divorce hearings, Baumgartner maintained that she and Connor were simply friends, although tensions arose when Costner questioned her fidelity and requested documentation tied to his finances.
Respondent has no responsive documents for ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ in which he engaged because he engaged in none,
court records revealed in August 2023, echoing Costner’s denial of any wrongdoing.
Costner’s attorneys also emphasized the uncertainty about Baumgartner’s conduct during the separation, stating he
does not know for a fact if [Christine] engaged in any ‘extramarital romantic relationships’ before separation and, if so, whether she spent any of his money or charged any expenses in furtherance of her affair(s) on credit cards he paid.
Unfolding Romance and Insider Perspectives
As reports emerged in 2024 that Baumgartner and Connor were officially dating, a source revealed Costner’s suspicions about their closeness. The insider said,
Kevin had strong suspicions that something was going on between Christine and Josh. Their close [bond] was a real elephant in the room,
confirming that the nature of their relationship shifted to romantic fairly recently.
The same source defended Baumgartner’s stance during the divorce, stating,
Christine doesn’t think Kevin has anything to complain about,
and added,
Josh has been Christine’s rock throughout the divorce ordeal. If Kevin has a problem with that, that’s on him.
Proposal and Life After Divorce
Following the confirmation of their relationship, reports surfaced that Connor proposed to Baumgartner during a quiet beachside evening in Santa Barbara. Though bad weather made the location secluded, the moment was intimate, marking the start of their engagement ahead of the recent nuptials.
Meanwhile, Kevin Costner has been linked to author and director Kelly Noonan Gores. While their relationship is described as casual, sources note they have spent time together in Colorado and share mutual friends. The insider revealed,
They both frequent Aspen often and have mutual friend groups,
and added,
They have been getting to know each other and seeing each other casually when they can.
Ongoing Changes in Relationships
Though Costner maintains his residence in Carpinteria, California, Noonan Gores lives in Manhattan Beach, and their connection remains low-key rather than serious. The evolving personal lives of both Baumgartner and Costner highlight the complexities following long marriages ending amid tension and transition.
Baumgartner’s marriage to Connor symbolizes a fresh start after a turbulent divorce, while Costner’s casual involvement with Noonan Gores indicates his gradual movement forward. Their intertwined pasts and present developments continue to attract public attention amid the broader context of celebrity relationships and family dynamics.
