In a comment on the film, Coppola says that he wanted to have an uglier actress for Connie, because it was easy to fall in love with a beautiful girl. He wanted Carlo to be portrayed as someone who married a not-so-good-looking daughter of a powerful man.
Coppola's sister Talia Shire was
perfect for the role and FFC knew it. In the early chapter of the novel it is described that Connie was not particulary attractive, but during the wedding she looked almost beautiful. FFC made that remark as a kind gesture to his sister, as she probably also read the novel and was aware of Connie's appearance.
