I am Donna van Heukelem-Kock. I was born and raised in the Netherlands by Aruban parents. My parents’ longing to return to Aruba eventually led us to move back, where I spent a large part of my youth.

27 years ago, I returned to the Netherlands for my studies. Since I had spent part of my childhood in the Netherlands, I adapted quickly and built a friend group from diverse cultural backgrounds. This helped me develop a deep appreciation for different cultures, and I also realized how cultures can enrich and strengthen each other.

In the Netherlands, I met the love of my life. We married and have been blessed with three daughters. The Netherlands is where we live, but Aruba feels to my family like a second home. They’ve grown to love traditional foods and treats like pastechi, kaasballen, pikaballen, and bolo di cashupete. During Easter, we enjoy traditional Dutch dishes along with those from Aruba and the Antilles.

One of my biggest hobbies is music. I’m also very creative and love cooking and baking. I enjoy watching Spanish and Mexican series on Netflix, which takes me back to the days when I used to watch Venezuelan and Mexican telenovelas with my grandmother.

Thinking back to my own wedding here in the Netherlands, I especially remember the moments when traditional elements from Aruba and the Antilles were present. Songs translated into Papiamento, black cake for guests to take home, and, of course, dancing with family and friends to Caribbean and Dutch music.

How wonderful would it have been if the officiant could have conducted part of the ceremony in Papiamento? How special if my family and friends in Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire could have joined the ceremony from afar? This is what I hope to create for every couple. That’s why I started I Pronounce, to bring the warmth of home to your wedding, no matter where it is.

Are you getting married in Groningen, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, The Hague, Friesland, or Maastricht? Or perhaps planning a destination wedding somewhere else in the world? With love, I’ll travel to your dream location to give your wedding ceremony that special touch of home.