Every wedding tells a story that goes far beyond the two central people.

It’s a story about family, religion, power, money, hope. About what a culture believes love is supposed to look like.

In this globe-spanning conversation, we’ll wander through ancient rituals, modern romance, arranged marriages, dating apps, extravagant celebrations, quiet ceremonies, and the endlessly fascinating ways humans have tried to answer one impossible question: How do we build a life?

Along the way we’ll explore what weddings reveal about the societies that created them, how our ideas of love have changed over time, why relationships seem more complicated than ever, and what all of this might say about where we’re headed next.

This talk will be part geography, part history, part philosophy and filled with stories from around the world that made us who we are today.

Anup Desai has been an adjunct professor of Geography at The College of Staten Island for 15 years, he is the founder of Rentah.com the Sharing Economy application, and a wedding officiant that has presided over 30+ weddings across all faiths and sexualities. So if you want to get married this night he can make it happen!

Evening Flow

7 PM – Doors open. Settle in, grab a drink, and meet a friend.
8 PM – The Olio begins: an intimate, interactive lecture and guided exploration.
9 PM – We shift into a social experience, discussing ideas with others in the room while the teacher joins and floats between conversations.
10 PM - Last call at the bar and we'll start to wind down the evening.

What Is an Olio?

Think Olio is an ongoing experiment in lifelong learning. We are a community of open-minded people who gather to exchange ideas with new friends and connect over art, literature, and philosophy.

Check out our full calendar

Our $30 membership gives you two events for the price of one!

An Olio is what we call the social learning events we’ve been organizing since 2015. A blend between a lecture and a house party, Olios are led by a teacher who loves sharing their passions and the room is filled with curious, open-minded New Yorkers.

Our goal is to spark new perspectives, ignite curiosity, and enjoy ourselves socially—an alternative to typical nightlife options.

Disclaimer: By purchasing a ticket, you agree to have your photo/video used for social media/marketing materials. If you prefer to not have your photo taken, feel free to send us a note.

Photo by Zhi-Da Zhong

Weddings: How Ceremonies Tell The Story of Civilization

Weddings: How Ceremonies Tell The Story of Civilization